🧊 Pulleyn Transport expands with new Berkshire facility

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

In today’s edition:

• Pulleyn Transport expands with new multi-temperature facility in Berkshire

• Japan to export ISO-Approved cold chain logistics to Asia

• Hanseatic Global Terminals acquires majority stake in Le Havre Terminal

• Envirotainer expands cold chain portfolio for pharmaceutical transport

• RK Logistics expands Austin cold storage operations

CubeCold

Pulleyn Transport expands with new multi-temperature facility in Berkshire Pulleyn Transport (part of CubeCold Group) is expanding operations with a state-of-the-art multi-temperature facility in Theale, Berkshire, scheduled to open in Q1 2026.

• This investment, made possible by CubeCold Group's acquisition two years ago, will provide nearly 23,000 additional pallet spaces across frozen, chilled, and controlled ambient storage environments.

• The strategically located site complements Pulleyn's existing Reading facility and offers excellent access to the UK motorway network, southern ports, and London Heathrow Airport's cargo hub.

• The facility incorporates sustainable features including temperature monitoring systems, backup power, solar panels, voltage optimization, and smart energy systems.

• With 40+ years of industry experience, Pulleyn serves the pharmaceutical, food, and specialty sectors. The company plans to add BRC, FORS, ISO 14001, and TAPA EMEA accreditations to its existing certifications. (Pulleyn)

News

Japan to export ISO-Approved cold chain logistics to Asia Japan is promoting its recently ISO-approved cold chain logistics standards across Asia, aiming to give Japanese companies a competitive advantage in growing refrigerated transportation markets.

• In December, the International Organization for Standardization adopted ISO 31512, based on Japan's domestic standards.

• These comprehensive guidelines require real-time temperature monitoring during transportation, measures to prevent temperature increases, and restrict refrigerated cargo's exposure to outside air.

• The Japanese government is actively encouraging Southeast Asian nations including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam to adopt these standards through educational events and outreach.

• With nearly 20 Japanese companies already operating cold chain logistics in Vietnam and Thailand, and around 10 each in Singapore and Indonesia, widespread adoption would benefit Japanese businesses in these expanding markets. (Nikkei Asia)

Hanseatic Global Terminals acquires majority stake in Le Havre Terminal Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT) has successfully completed the acquisition of a 60% stake in CNMP LH from Seafrigo Group.

• The terminal operates the Atlantique container facility in Le Havre, France, with Seafrigo Group retaining the remaining 40% ownership.

• Le Havre ranks among Europe's top 10 ports with an annual container throughput of 3 million TEU, serving as France's most important seaport with excellent connections to Paris.

• The CNMP LH terminal is expected to experience growth in coming years, particularly in the reefer container segment.

• HGT CEO Dheeraj Bhatia emphasized that this acquisition strengthens their position in a core European market while expanding their global terminal portfolio, directly contributing to their Strategy 2030 goals.

• Seafrigo Group President Eric Barbé welcomed the partnership, noting plans to modernize the terminal and raise its profile as a crucial gateway for container transport in Le Havre. (Hapag-Lloyd)

Envirotainer expands cold chain portfolio for pharmaceutical transport Envirotainer has introduced the industry's most comprehensive cold chain portfolio for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.

• Following the integration of va-Q-tec's pharma business, the company now offers both active (battery-powered) and advanced-passive (phase change material) solutions to support all pharmaceutical transport needs.

• With 40 years of experience and the largest global network, Envirotainer offers unparalleled flexibility for pharmaceutical manufacturers, covering the full life cycle from R&D to distribution, with solutions for all shipment sizes and temperature needs.

• Envirotainer also leads in sustainability with lighter containers, reusable technologies, 95% renewable electricity usage across operations, and collaborative supply chain initiatives. (Pharmaceutical Technology)

RK Logistics expands Austin cold storage operations RK Logistics has opened a new 84,000 sq ft temperature-controlled warehouse in Austin, Texas, marking its second ISO-certified facility in the area.

• The warehouse is designed to serve semiconductor, automotive, lithium-ion battery, and other local manufacturing operations.

• The 15-dock-door facility offers supply chain management services including customized warehousing, secured storage, inventory management, order assembly, kitting, and expedited transportation.

• Strategic advantages include proximity to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for next-flight-out shipments, specialized support for pilot and engineering manufacturing activities, and secure handling of sensitive inventory with reliable on-time delivery.

• "Austin and Texas are important markets for RK's growth, and we expect to more than double in size here in 2025," said CEO Joe MacLean.

• RK first entered the Austin market in March 2023 with a 200,000 sq ft facility in Kyle that supports EV battery logistics and other automotive production materials. (Fleet Owner)

Other headlines

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has been named Cold Chain Operator of the Year at the 2025 Logistics Middle East Awards, recognized for its innovative and customer-centric approach to temperature-sensitive goods transportation.

Penske Logistics has recognized Roadtex, a New Jersey-based temperature-controlled transportation and warehousing specialist owned by Echo Global Logistics, as its top Refrigerated Provider during the 2024 Freight Management Carrier award ceremony.

The University of Manchester is collaborating with Solomon Commercials to improve the aerodynamic performance of refrigerated heavy goods vehicles through advanced computational analysis, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

AFR Refrigeration has collaborated with Panasonic Cold Chain Poland and RAC Engineering to deliver a sustainable CO₂ refrigeration system for a major UK retailer in Sutton.

Logista has introduced a new refrigerated trailer that utilizes a self-charging electric cooling system, powered by kinetic energy generated during transit, to reduce emissions and enhance operational efficiency.

CMA CGM Group is investing $20B over four years to expand its US-flagged fleet, develop key ports, establish a Chicago air cargo hub, and create 10,000 jobs, strengthening the domestic US supply chain.

Brinkmann Constructors has completed the first phase of a three-phase project for Coastal Cold Storage in Foristell, Missouri, delivering a 127,000 sq ft cold storage distribution centre featuring freezer and cooler spaces with a capacity of 16,500 pallets.

That’s it for today!

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