Welcome back to CubeCold News where we cover the latest developments in the cold chain industry and temperature controlled logistics.
In today’s edition:
Americold and DP World opens integrated cold chain hub at Port Saint John
Movianto nearly doubles cold storage capacity in Aalst
Eisai backs Hatfield expansion with government-supported investment
Vertical Cold Storage acquires second Dothan facility
Notable Developments
Americold and DP World opens integrated cold chain hub at Port Saint John Americold Realty Trust (NYSE: COLD) has opened an import-export hub at Port Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada, unveiled during Port Days 2026.
Developed with DP World and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), it is the first facility globally to combine Americold's cold storage, DP World's maritime logistics, and CPKC's rail network in one location.
CEO Rob Chambers said the integrated solution moves temperature-sensitive products between inland regions and international markets more efficiently.
The hub provides roughly 22,000 pallet positions and is the only temperature controlled storage in Eastern Canada directly connected to a port without drayage, removing transport between vessel and warehouse to cut cost and transit time.
Designed to support flows between Central and Eastern Canada and Europe, South America, and Asia-Pacific, the facility is expected to support up to 100 jobs. (Americold)
Movianto nearly doubles cold storage capacity in Aalst Movianto, part of Yusen Logistics and specializing in pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics, has expanded its facility in Aalst, Belgium, nearly doubling temperature controlled pallet capacity from 14,000 to 25,000 positions.
The fully operational site spans ambient (15–25°C), refrigerated (2–8°C), frozen (–20°C), and ultra-cold (–80°C) ranges, with new dedicated areas for hazardous goods and narcotics.
Compliant with GDP, ISO, and TAPA standards, the bonded warehouse enables duty-free storage for goods in transit.
Bruno Jacques, CEO of Yusen Logistics Healthcare, cited growing demand for specialized solutions despite economic headwinds.
Sustainability features include rooftop photovoltaics supplying about 50% of electricity, heat pumps, natural CO₂ refrigerant, LED lighting, and rainwater harvesting.
The expansion supports Yusen's strategy to build integrated, compliant healthcare supply chains worldwide, positioning Belgium as a strategic European gateway. (Yusen Logistics)
Eisai backs Hatfield expansion with government-supported investment Eisai has announced a strategic investment supported by the UK Government's Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF) at its manufacturing site in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, to establish supply chain and packaging capabilities for current and future cold chain medicines, including lecanemab.
LSIMF is a capital grants scheme designed to strengthen UK life sciences manufacturing and enhance supply resilience against future health emergencies.
The investment broadens Hatfield's role beyond traditional oral solid dose operations to support packaging and supply of temperature controlled medicines for injection and infusion, enabling a transition from external contract manufacturers to an in-house packaging model.
Implemented in multiple phases with a total Eisai investment of approximately £48 million, it includes expanded goods receipt and dispatch, ambient and cold chain warehouses, and packaging buildings and lines.
CEO Haruo Naito cited the company's long-term UK commitment, while Science Minister Lord Vallance welcomed the new skilled jobs.
The hub will serve Europe, the Middle East and Africa, offering multi-language and small-batch packaging. (Eisai)
Vertical Cold Storage acquires second Dothan facility Vertical Cold Storage, a temperature controlled distribution operator sponsored by investment firm Platform Ventures, has acquired a refrigerated warehouse in Dothan, Alabama, from Dothan Warehouse.
The deal marks the company's 13th facility and its second location in Dothan. The site features temperatures ranging from 34 to 50°F , is rail-served by CSX, and sits in the heart of the U.S. peanut production region, with a strong history supporting regional peanut shelling operations.
Chief Commercial Officer Jim Henderson noted the company's nearby freezer facility, acquired from Dothan Warehouse in August 2024, primarily supports local poultry producers with blast freezing, freezer storage, and export services.
The new refrigerated warehouse will be integrated into Vertical Cold's national network using its standard warehouse management technology, safety, and food quality programs.
Dothan Warehouse President Turner Jones praised the transition, citing a positive prior experience and Vertical Cold's commitment to investing in regional food logistics infrastructure. (Vertical Cold Storage)
Other headlines
Cargo Handling Billund Airport (CHBA) is completing an upgrade programme to establish dedicated, temperature controlled pharmaceutical storage facilities at Billund Airport.
Solar-powered cold chain companies including SoKo Fresh, ColdHubs are expanding pay-per-use, off-grid cold storage across Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Africa, cutting post-harvest food losses and helping smallholder farmers reach higher-value markets.
The Port of Tacoma Commission approved a 50-year ground lease with Saxum Investment Company for a cold storage and food processing facility on a 30-acre Blair-Hylebos Peninsula site, a project Saxum expects to involve up to $250 million in investment and create up to 400 jobs over a 24-month construction period.
That’s it for this week!
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