🧊 STEF acquires TDL Fresh Logistics

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

In today’s edition:

  • STEF acquires TDL Fresh Logistics

  • GCP invests $121 million in Philippine cold storage

  • stow completes largest mobile racking installation in Northern Europe for Frigoscandia in Sweden

  • CoolKit gets exclusive distribution deal for eLCV refrigeration trailblazer

News

STEF acquires TDL Fresh Logistics STEF, a European leader in temperature-controlled logistics, acquired TDL Fresh Logistics, bolstering its presence in Belgium.

  • TDL Fresh Logistics, founded in 1980, specializes in fresh and frozen food transport and logistics.

  • The acquisition, approved by Belgian authorities, adds 400 employees and 3 operational sites to STEF's network.

  • The deal is expected to create operational synergies, improving efficiency and service quality.

  • The acquisition marks a significant step in STEF's expansion, enhancing its capabilities to serve customers across Europe in the temperature-controlled food sector. (link)

GCP invests $121 million in Philippine cold storage Growtheum Capital Partners (GCP), a Singapore-based private equity firm, announced a PHP 7 billion (US$121 million) investment in Mets Logistics Inc., a Philippine cold chain solutions provider.

  • The deal, which includes an additional PHP 500 million from Mets' founding shareholders, totals PHP 7.5 billion (US$129.6 million).

  • This investment aims to expand Mets' cold storage network across the Philippines, enhancing its logistics capabilities.

  • Currently, Mets operates around 100,000 pallet positions nationwide. The investment addresses food security concerns and aligns with the Philippine government's priorities to stabilize food supply and prices.

  • This partnership, subject to regulatory approvals, underscores the increasing interest in the Philippines' cold chain logistics sector. (link)

stow completes largest mobile racking installation in Northern Europe for Frigoscandia in Sweden stow has completed Northern Europe's largest mobile racking installation at Frigoscandia's new logistics facility in Hyllinge, Sweden.

  • The 36,000 sq. m. cold storage hub, operational since November 2024, can handle approximately 100,000 pallets annually across frozen, chilled, and ambient temperature zones.

  • The facility features stow's innovative mobile racking system that eliminates static aisles to maximize storage capacity.

  • The frozen storage zone spans 18,300 square meters and can maintain temperatures as low as -25°C.

  • The facility aims for BREEAM Excellent certification through sustainable features like solar panels and energy-efficient operations. (link)

CoolKit gets exclusive distribution deal for eLCV refrigeration trailblazer CoolKit has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for PBX, an Austrian company specializing in electric LCV refrigeration units.

  • PBX's units are designed specifically for electric vehicles, weighing just 39kg - up to 50% lighter than traditional systems.

  • The units use R290, an organic refrigerant with a significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3, compared to conventional refrigerants' GWP of 1,945. They consume only up to 7% of an electric vehicle's battery daily and require no additional batteries.

  • The plug-and-play system can be installed in under three hours and is approved by major OEMs.

  • This partnership aligns with both companies' sustainability goals and aims to facilitate the industry's transition to electric refrigerated transport while offering improved payload capacity and energy efficiency. (link)

Other headlines

A German research institute is piloting an innovative geothermal cold storage system that stores winter cold underground to provide year-round industrial cooling.

Best Food Logistics orders 286 Carrier Transicold engineless refrigeration systems for its UK fleet.

Rabobank awards Lineage its 2024 Corporate Leadership Award for innovative cold storage solutions and community impact.

Nippon Express launches eco-friendly temperature-controlled air freight service using recyclable isothermal containers for Otsuka Pharmaceutical's global shipments.

GCCA outlines key 2025 policy impacts on cold chain logistics under Trump's second term, including trade changes, regulatory rollbacks, and food safety compliance deadlines.

Lineage Inc. announces a $0.5275 per share Q4 2024 dividend payable January 21, 2025.

Maersk: The role of refrigerated warehousing in keeping cold chains stable.

Swisslog announces key leadership appointments in the UK.

That’s it for today!

If you have any feedback or suggestions, please don't hesitate to respond directly to this email.

We look forward to hearing from you.

P.S. Did someone share this with you? Subscribe here.