🧊 AC Logistics acquires majority stake in Glacier Megafridge

Welcome back to CubeCold News where we cover the latest developments in the cold chain industry and temperature-controlled logistics.

In today’s edition:

• AC Logistics acquires majority stake in Glacier Megafridge to expand Philippine cold chain

• Lineage’s Salem cold storage warehouse tests microgrid and MEMOSA algorithm

• Americold appoints new CFO and expands leadership roles to support growth strategy

• Ember LifeSciences to discuss scaling reusable cold chains at Manifest Vegas 2026

• Altor Solutions completes $11 million sale‑leaseback to invest in cold chain packaging

News

AC Logistics acquires majority stake in Glacier Megafridge to expand Philippine cold chain AC Logistics, the supply‑chain arm of the Ayala Group, agreed to acquire a majority stake in Glacier Megafridge, one of the Philippines’ largest cold‑storage operators.

• Glacier Megafridge runs 12 facilities with around 75 000 pallet positions and provides refrigerated warehousing for meat, poultry and other perishables.

• The acquisition, subject to regulatory approval, will expand AC Logistics’ coverage and integrate the cold‑storage operator’s network with its own.

• Executives said the deal builds on a joint venture and will allow the group to offer end‑to‑end cold chain solutions, helping reduce food spoilage and enhance food security.

• AC Logistics expects the expanded network to support a comprehensive distribution system and complement its existing cold chain and last‑mile delivery services (Philstar)

Lineage’s Salem cold storage warehouse tests microgrid and MEMOSA algorithm Lineage Logistics launched a microgrid pilot at its 534 000 sq ft cold storage facility in Salem, Oregon.

• The microgrid integrates rooftop solar, battery storage and on‑site generation to reduce reliance on the grid and cut energy costs.

• The system uses MEMOSA (Microgrid Energy Management and Optimization System Advisor), a machine‑learning algorithm that forecasts demand and optimises energy usage.

• Early testing shows the facility can operate off‑grid for 24 hours; the goal is to extend to 48 hours and replicate the model across Lineage’s network.

• Lessons from the pilot will feed into Lineage’s broader sustainability strategy and inform operations in regions facing grid reliability concerns. (Lineage)

Americold appoints new CFO to support growth strategy Americold Realty Trust has appointed Christopher Papa as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective February 23, 2026.

• Papa brings nearly 40 years of experience in real estate finance, currently serving as CFO at CenterPoint Properties and previously holding CFO positions at Post Properties and Liberty Property Trust.

• CEO Rob Chambers highlighted Papa's extensive real estate expertise and his anticipated contributions to strengthening the balance sheet and driving long-term shareholder value.

• The appointment follows the departure of former CFO Jay Wells, with Chief Investment Officer Scott Henderson serving as interim CFO during the transition period.

• Americold reaffirmed its full-year 2025 outlook, expecting fourth-quarter AFFO per share between $0.36 and $0.38, with results scheduled for release on February 19, 2026. (Americold)

Ember LifeSciences to discuss scaling reusable cold chains at Manifest Vegas 2026 Ember LifeSciences announced that its CEO Susanne Kadner and CTO Stefan Kunitz will speak at Manifest Vegas 2026 about scaling reusable packaging for temperature‑sensitive healthcare shipments.

• The company says reusable cold chains face challenges such as manual pack‑outs, complex return logistics and limited shipment visibility.

• Ember will showcase its digital Ember Cube, a cloud‑connected shipping container that automatically records temperature, location and tamper‑event data and simplifies returns by generating return labels when delivery is complete.

• The session will explore how system‑level solutions, combining hardware, software and logistics partners, can make reusable packaging viable at scale.

• The firm notes that reusability can reduce waste and emissions in pharma logistics but requires supply chain collaboration and digital visibility. (PR Newswire)

Altor Solutions completes $11 million sale‑leaseback to invest in cold chain packaging Compass Diversified (CODI) announced that its subsidiary Altor Solutions has executed a sale‑leaseback of real estate assets, generating proceeds of about US$11 million.

• Altor designs and manufactures protective and cold chain packaging solutions for industrial and life sciences markets.

• Under the transaction, it will continue operating at the sites under long‑term leases, while CODI uses the proceeds to reduce debt.

• Management said the move unlocks value from non‑core real estate while enabling continued investment in product innovation and service capacity.

• The deal shows investors’ appetite for industrial real estate assets tied to essential supply chain businesses. (Compass Diversified)

Other headlines

Telangana, India launched its Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy 2026-30 at Davos, targeting USD 25 billion in investments, 500,000 jobs, and top-five global life sciences cluster status by 2030.

Arla Foods and XPO Logistics will open a fully automated, temperature-controlled central distribution centre at Prologis RFI DIRFT in Northamptonshire by late 2027, consolidating all UK chilled pallet operations to improve supply chain resilience and reduce road miles.

Pakistan and China signed cooperation agreements to develop advanced silos and cold chain infrastructure for agricultural storage, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses and improve supply chain efficiency for food grains.

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) deployed IceBattery®-enabled Hybrid Reefer containers offering diesel-free temperature control (2-25°C for 50+ hours) with real-time monitoring for pharma and agro cargo.

That’s it for this week!

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