🧊 Mergers, growth and tech in cold chain

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 expands pharma facilities in Europe and Mexico

• First Cold and Napier Cold Storage announce strategic merger

• SJWD and SWIFT partner to launch cold storage warehouse business in Malaysia

• Toppoint Holdings expands into refrigeration logistics

• Reelables releases new 5G cellular label for perishable shipping

News

UPS expands pharma facilities in Europe and Mexico UPS Healthcare has expanded its pharmaceutical logistics capabilities with three new cross-docking facilities in Milan, Frankfurt, and Mexico City.

• The Milan facility spans 28,500 sq m with over 20,000 temperature-controlled pallet positions, while the Frankfurt location offers multiple temperature ranges and strategic connections to major European transport hubs.

• The 10,700 sq m Mexico City facility, which has achieved IATA CEIV pharma certification, offers temperature control ranging from ambient to frozen.

• All facilities are strategically located near major airports to enable quick delivery.

• This development follows UPS's recent opening of a cross-docking facility in Hyderabad, India, and adds to its network of CEIV-certified facilities in Amsterdam, New York, Shanghai, and Miami. (Aircargo News)

First Cold and Napier Cold Storage announce strategic merger First Cold, a cold chain and logistics provider operating in Waikato and Taranaki, New Zeeland, is merging with Napier Cold Storage of Hawkes Bay, effective March 1, 2025.

• The combined entity will operate under the First Cold brand with facilities in Napier, Hamilton, and Stratford, and a corporate office in Auckland.

• The merger will create a network spanning New Zealand's North Island from coast to coast, allowing customers of both companies to access facilities across all regions through a unified warehouse management system.

• Paul Vickery, CEO of First Cold, emphasized the merger's strategic importance, while Napier Cold Storage's leadership team, Jonathan Crawley and Arran Prideaux, highlighted the alignment of vision between the companies and the potential for combining best practices to drive growth. (LinkedIn)

SJWD and SWIFT partner to launch cold storage warehouse business in Malaysia SCGJWD Logistics (SJWD) and Swift Haulage Berhad (SWIFT) have announced a joint venture to enter Malaysia's cold storage warehouse market, forming Swift Cold Chain Sendirian Berhad with SWIFT holding 51% and SJWD 49%.

• The venture plans to develop three cold storage facilities totaling over 30,000 sq m, with the first project, GVL Cold Chain, set to open in Shah Alam International Logistics Hub by January 2026.

• The partnership combines SJWD's cold storage expertise with SWIFT's established Malaysian logistics presence.

• According to SJWD's Co-CEOs Bunn Kasemsup and Charvanin Bunditkitsada, this expansion supports their ASEAN growth strategy and will strengthen their regional logistics network connecting China through Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

• SWIFT's Group CEO Loo Yong Hui emphasized the venture's focus on innovation and automated cold storage technology to meet growing regional demand. (Logistics Manager)

Toppoint Holdings expands into refrigeration logistics Toppoint Holdings Inc., a specialist in wastepaper and scrap metal transport in North Wales, Pennsylvania, has announced its entry into the refrigerated logistics sector through a strategic partnership with a major cold-chain provider.

• The collaboration will focus on managing refrigerated containers at ports in Newark, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.

• This expansion diversifies Toppoint's operations beyond its traditional focus on wastepaper, scrap metal, and wooden logs transport.

• The partnership aims to provide more stable revenue streams and improved operational resilience for Toppoint by reducing its vulnerability to port traffic fluctuations.

• The collaborating provider brings nationwide experience in temperature-sensitive goods transport and various freight management services. (GlobeNewswire)

Reelables releases new 5G cellular label for perishable shipping The Reelables 5G Cellular Label, a new smart shipping label for temperature monitoring, offers real-time tracking and temperature control for perishable goods during transit.

• The single-use 4x8" label measures temperatures from -10 to 60°C with pharmaceutical-grade accuracy (±0.5°C) and transmits data automatically via 5G to an app or management system.

• The environmentally friendly label, activated through NFC, provides piece-level tracking and alerts operational teams to potential issues based on temperature thresholds and shipment conditions.

• According to CTO Brian Krejcarek, the label's competitive price point makes comprehensive temperature monitoring accessible for nearly all temperature-sensitive shipments, not just high-value cargo.

• The technology helps businesses across pharmaceutical, biotech, electronics, and food industries meet regulatory requirements while reducing revenue loss from spoiled or misplaced packages. (Packaging Strategies)

Other headlines

FedEx has acquired RouteSmart Technologies, a route optimization solutions provider, to enhance its global operations efficiency, while maintaining RouteSmart's existing customer base as a standalone entity under FedEx Dataworks.

Sun Belle LLC has completed a $25.8 million sale-leaseback of its 82,261 sq ft cold storage facility near Miami International Airport to Iconic Equities LLC, with Digiacomo Group and JLL brokering the deal.

Joyce European Logistics, a temperature-controlled transport specialist with 40+ years of experience in the UK and Europe, has filed for administration due to financial difficulties.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has issued an interim report expressing concerns that GXO's acquisition of Wincanton could reduce competition and increase costs in dedicated warehousing services for UK grocers.

10 reasons to be optimistic about the future of logistics.

That’s it for today!

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