🧊 Why cold storage may defy the tariff crunch

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

In today’s edition:

• Why cold storage may defy the tariff crunch

• DHL expands healthcare logistics with new Singapore Pharma Hub

• Cold Chain Technologies launches Universal CCT Tower Elite

• Geekplus transforms cold chain logistics with robotics

• Thermo King launches Asian-made LEGEND trailer refrigeration units

News

Why cold storage may defy the tariff crunch While new tariffs are creating uncertainty across much of commercial real estate, cold storage facilities appear positioned to maintain stability and even grow during economic turbulence.

• Unlike more vulnerable sectors such as multifamily housing and big-box distribution, temperature-controlled logistics benefits from its connection to essential goods.

• Experts note that consumer spending on food staples remains consistent despite inflation, supporting continued demand for cold storage infrastructure. "Properties with demand tied to food-related essentials" will likely remain strong, according to Ermengarde Jabir, Director of Economic Research at Moody's.

• Despite broader construction slowdowns, cold storage continues attracting investment, with the global market projected to grow from $159.7 billion in 2024 to $427 billion by 2030.

• Developers are responding with vertical builds, automation upgrades, and strategic positioning near ports and population centers, including a rebound in speculative development indicating strong investor confidence. (Area Development)

DHL expands healthcare logistics with new Singapore Pharma Hub DHL Supply Chain has launched a new €10 million Pharma Hub in Singapore, enhancing its Life Sciences and Healthcare infrastructure across Asia Pacific.

• The 8,200-square-meter facility is part of DHL Group's €500 million regional investment strategy.

• Located near Tuas Bio-Medical Park with connections to Changi Airport and Tuas Mega Port, the hub features temperature-controlled zones (15-25°C ambient and 2-8°C cold rooms) and advanced cold chain systems that comply with Good Manufacturing Practice standards.

• This facility adds to DHL's growing network of specialized healthcare sites across the region, including automated facilities in Australia and New Zealand, with planned expansions in South Korea and India.

• By 2030, DHL plans to invest €2 billion globally in healthcare logistics infrastructure. (Supply Chain)

Cold Chain Technologies launches Universal CCT Tower Elite Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) has introduced its first innovation since acquiring Tower Cold Chain in 2024 - the Universal CCT Tower Elite, a reusable temperature-controlled pallet shipper.

• As the market's lightest solution in its category, the CCT Tower Elite maintains precise temperature control across four ranges (<-60°C, -20°C, +5°C, and +20°C) for over 120 hours without external power.

• It features double-door access for easy loading and achieves class-leading volumetric weight efficiency.

• Unveiled at LogiPharma 2025, the shipper is part of CCT's "Let's Go Further" campaign, combining the expertise of both companies to create a versatile solution for the life sciences sector.

• It includes integrated IoT technology for real-time temperature monitoring and tracking, with availability through CCT's global hub network spanning more than 20 countries. (AJOT)

Geekplus transforms cold chain logistics with robotics TAHUHU, a leading cold chain logistics provider, has partnered with Geekplus to revolutionize its Hong Kong warehouse operations through advanced robotics technology.

• This collaboration has established new benchmarks for efficiency, safety, and scalability in cold chain logistics.

• Facing increasing demands for faster deliveries and stricter temperature control, TAHUHU implemented Geekplus' comprehensive automation solutions including cold store autonomous mobile robots, low-temperature 4-way shuttle robots, and automated vertical lifts.

• A recent survey demonstrated remarkable results: 100% positive feedback on improvements, 60% reduction in manual labor, 30% increase in storage capacity, and 24/7 operational capability.

• Operating across three temperature zones (0°C to 4°C, -18°C, and -25°C), the system maintains consistent temperatures while reducing contamination risks.

• Following this success, TAHUHU plans to expand its automation capabilities with additional Geekplus technologies like RoboShuttle and SkyCube to further enhance operations. (PR Newswire)

Thermo King launches Asian-made LEGEND trailer refrigeration units Thermo King has inaugurated its first Asian production line for trailer refrigeration units at its new smart plant in Wujiang, China.

• The line will manufacture the LEGEND series, the company's flagship products developed by Thermo King Asia Pacific, for markets across Asia.

• The highly automated production line has increased LEGEND's supply chain localization by 60% while shortening delivery cycles and enhancing supply chain stability across the region.

• The LEGEND series, designed specifically for high-frequency road transportation in Asia Pacific, offers precise temperature control, energy efficiency, and intelligent operation.

• Key innovations include advanced electrical architecture for precise all-zone temperature management and breakthrough "three-in-one" motor technology that improves fuel efficiency by 15%.

• The series features 27% fewer components than traditional mechanical drive solutions and can achieve up to 20% fuel efficiency in real-world scenarios. (PR Newswire)

Other headlines

Banks Cold Storage opens a 210,000 sq ft temperature-controlled warehouse in Commerce, Georgia, featuring 30,000 pallet positions and creating 70 new jobs to support the local poultry industry.

BGO and Stonemont Financial Group open a new 172,034 sq ft cold storage facility in Oshawa, Ontario, fully leased to Martin Brower to service over 200 McDonald's locations and bringing 175 jobs to the community.

ThermoSafe launches ChillTherm Bio pallet shipper, a biodegradable (90% within four years) expanded polystyrene solution for pharmaceuticals that maintains 2-8°C for 120 hours.

The Pharma Supply Chain & Logistics Innovation Programme 2025 will convene industry leaders in Basel, Switzerland on May 27-28 to explore pharmaceutical logistics trends, technology integration, cold chain optimization, and sustainability strategies.

The Korea International Cold Chain Exhibition 2025 will showcase cutting-edge cold chain technologies and solutions for food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries on April 22-25 at KINTEX.

That’s it for today!

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