🧊 New CubeCold refrigerated warehouse taking shape in Theale

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

In today’s edition:

• New CubeCold refrigerated warehouse taking shape in Theale, Berkshire

• Lineage and Port of New Orleans collaborate to expand bonded warehouse space

• Nagle Companies acquires Kandel Transport

• British BioTech startup raises €5.2 million to cut cold-chain costs in biopharma transport

• DHL Global Forwarding adds to its Asia Pacific’s life science and healthcare capabilities

• 2025 GCCA Convention

• Americold appoints Robert S. Chambers as Chief Executive Officer

CubeCold

News

Lineage and Port of New Orleans collaborate to expand bonded warehouse space Lineage, Inc., the world's largest temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, has partnered with the Port of New Orleans to certify its Jourdan Road facility as a Class 3 Public Bonded Warehouse.

• This marks Lineage's first customs bonded facility in Louisiana and strengthens Port NOLA's position as a premier Gulf trade gateway.

• The 304,000 sq ft facility in New Orleans East is unique in Louisiana, offering dual capabilities: I-House services for on-site USDA inspections of imported food, and customs bonded storage allowing goods to be stored under U.S. Customs supervision until duties are paid.

• Brian Beattie of Lineage emphasized the facility's versatility, while Port NOLA's Beth Branch highlighted the partnership's role in strengthening Louisiana's global supply chain position. (AJOT)

Nagle Companies acquires Kandel Transport Nagle Companies, a Wallbridge, Ohio-based refrigerated food transportation specialist, has acquired fellow Ohio-based carrier Kandel Transport.

• The combined operation now includes 115 tractors, 200 trailers, and generates approximately $45 million in annual revenue.

• The partnership began years ago when Kandel owner Jack Daniels and Nagle CEO Ed Nagle developed a professional relationship in similar markets.

• In 2024, Daniels approached Nagle about forming a strategic relationship, which evolved into a full acquisition after months of discussions.

• Kandel will continue operating under its existing name and structure during integration, allowing access to enhanced resources, upgraded technology, and expanded opportunities while maintaining its identity. (PR Newswire)

British BioTech startup raises €5.2 million to cut cold-chain costs in biopharma transport Bristol-based biotech startup EnsiliTech has raised €5.2 million in Seed funding to revolutionize pharmaceutical cold-chain logistics.

• The round was led by Eos Advisory with participation from Calculus Capital, Empirical Ventures, and other investors.

• Founded in 2022, EnsiliTech has developed patented "Ensilication" technology that stabilizes biopharmaceuticals—including vaccines, antibodies, and enzymes—at temperatures up to 50°C, eliminating the need for refrigeration.

• The technology encapsulates medicines in protective silica layers that preserve integrity during transport and dissolve when ready for use.

• EnsiliTech's team, headed by CEO Dr. Asel Sartbaeva, will use the funding to expand operations, conduct validation studies, and integrate their technology into pharmaceutical manufacturing pipelines, building on their previous €1.3 million raise in 2023. (EU Startups)

DHL Global Forwarding adds to its Asia Pacific’s life science and healthcare capabilities DHL Global Forwarding has enhanced its Asia Pacific life sciences capabilities by becoming the first forwarder to offer dual-certified cold chain storage (15–25°C and 2–8°C) within Kuala Lumpur International Airport's Free Commercial Zone.

• The 38,000-square-foot facility holds both DHL Air GxP and IATA CEIV Pharma certifications, ensuring regulatory compliance for pharmaceutical logistics.

• Key features include dedicated cold rooms supporting 105 EU pallets, secure cages with 24/7 surveillance, advanced environment monitoring systems, and eco-friendly infrastructure using R448A refrigerant.

• This expansion supports Malaysia's strategic position as a regional medical technology hub, with the market expected to reach $4.5 billion by 2028 at 8.5% CAGR. (DHL)

2025 GCCA Convention The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Convention, celebrating 134 years as the premier cold chain industry event, will take place September 15-17, 2025, at La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas.

• This exclusive gathering brings together over 600 executives from temperature-controlled warehousing, logistics, transportation, and supplier companies for the industry's most anticipated leadership event.

• The convention is specifically curated for cold chain decision-makers, including warehouse and logistics executives, transportation leaders, and industry suppliers and innovators.

• Attendees can expect executive-level education addressing key business challenges like workforce strategy, automation, energy costs, and market consolidation.

• The event offers unparalleled networking opportunities through social activities, receptions, and focused discussions, allowing leaders to forge powerful connections with industry peers. (GCCA)

People

Americold appoints Robert S. Chambers as Chief Executive Officer Americold Realty Trust (NYSE: COLD) announced that Robert S. Chambers has been unanimously appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Board member, effective September 1, 2025.

• Chambers replaces George Chappelle, who is retiring after a four-decade career.

• Chambers brings extensive leadership experience, currently serving as Americold's President overseeing global operations, commercial strategy, and supply chain innovation.

• During his 12-year tenure with the company, he has held progressively senior roles including President of Americas and Chief Commercial Officer.

• His broader background includes serving as CFO of Saia Inc., leadership positions at CEVA Logistics, and experience at KPMG as a licensed CPA. (Americold)

Other headlines

UNICEF delivered three WHO-compliant refrigerated trucks to Syria's Ministry of Health through Gavi Alliance support to strengthen vaccine cold chain delivery and ensure life-saving immunizations reach children nationwide.

TIP's successful "try before you hire" scheme in the UK allows temperature-controlled transport operators to trial three different zero-emission e-reefer technologies for minimum four-week periods to find the best fit for their decarbonization goals without upfront capital commitment.

South Korean Ambassador inaugurated the Northern Palawan Cold Chain and Distribution Hub in El Nido, a KOICA and Good Neighbors Global Impact Foundation project designed to boost fisherfolk livelihoods through improved post-harvest handling and market access.

China launched its first e-commerce cold chain container train from Chengdu to Antwerp, Belgium via Kazakhstan, carrying 55 containers of e-commerce goods and temperature-sensitive products on a 16-18 day journey through multiple countries for distribution across Western and Southern Europe.

Cougar Couriers invested in two new rigid trucks equipped with advanced Carrier Transicold Supra High Efficiency units for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical deliveries across the UK and Europe.

That’s it for this week!

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