🧊 UPS to acquire Frigo-Trans and its sister company BPL

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

In today’s edition:

• UPS to acquire German cold chain company Frigo-Trans and its sister company BPL

• Thermo King introduces E-COOLPAC battery solutions

• Tower Cold Chain & CRYOPDP partner to enhance pharmaceutical supply chain 

• Lineage announced a grand prize of $50,000 for the Food Chain Innovation Challenge.

News

UPS to acquire German cold chain company UPS has announced its acquisition of Frigo-Trans and its sister company, BPL, both of which are based in Germany and specialize in cold chain logistics.

• This move is part of UPS’s broader strategy to expand its healthcare logistics capabilities across Europe, particularly focusing on temperature-sensitive solutions required by the biopharma industry.

• Frigo-Trans operates facilities with advanced temperature control systems, including cryopreservation, while BPL handles packaging and temperature-controlled transport management.

• The acquisition will significantly enhance UPS’s ability to handle complex biopharmaceutical shipments, offering multi-temperature storage and distribution services that meet stringent regulatory requirements.

• The deal is expected to be finalized by early 2025, and it reflects UPS’s commitment to supporting the growing needs of healthcare companies, particularly in transporting high-value, sensitive products such as vaccines and biologics. (link)

Thermo King introduces E-COOLPAC battery solutions Thermo King has introduced the E-COOLPAC, a modular battery solution designed for refrigeration units on trucks, trailers, and marine containers.

• Developed in collaboration with AKSA Würenlos AG, the system offers battery capacities from 15kWh to 105kWh, enabling the electrification of temperature-controlled transportation.

• It can be installed or retrofitted onto vehicles and marine containers, whether hybrid, electric, or diesel-powered, replacing conventional gensets.

• The solution integrates real-time telematics for monitoring and includes future upgrade options with battery extensions.

• The modular design allows for customization depending on vehicle type and energy needs suitable for various transport operations.

• It aligns with regulations that limit diesel engine use in urban areas and ports, making it a forward-looking solution in cold chain logistics. (link)

Tower Cold Chain & CRYOPDP partner to enhance pharmaceutical supply chain solutions Tower Cold Chain has formed a strategic partnership with CRYOPDP to expand its temperature-controlled logistics offerings, specifically targeting the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors.

• This collaboration aims to improve the handling and transport of temperature-sensitive products such as vaccines, biologics, and other pharmaceutical goods.

• By leveraging Tower Cold Chain's advanced, reusable thermal containers and CRYOPDP's extensive global logistics network, the partnership aims to offer more comprehensive, end-to-end cold chain services that ensure the safe and efficient delivery of vital healthcare products.

• Through this partnership, Tower Cold Chain expands its service capabilities across more temperature ranges, allowing it to cater to a broader spectrum of pharmaceutical and life sciences companies.

• CRYOPDP's expertise in managing complex supply chains, especially for clinical trials and biological samples, complements Tower Cold Chain's robust container solutions. (link)

Other headlines

Lineage announced a grand prize of $50,000 for the Food Chain Innovation Challenge.

Oakland International’s Operations Manager, Valentina Florina-Drescanu, was named one of the 2024 Cold Chain Federation Emerging Leader Bursary winners.

SupplyOne Canada and Cold Chain Science Enterprises unveil an innovative development in temperature-sensitive last-mile delivery technology.

Lineage declared an initial dividend of $0.38 per share, prorated for the third quarter of 2024 following its IPO, with a full-year rate of $2.11 per share, payable on October 21, 2024.

The Cold Chain Hub 2024, held in Birmingham, will showcase innovations in temperature-controlled logistics, featuring exhibitors like Pulleyn Transport, RIS GreenChill, and CoolKit.

That’s it for today!

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