New Cold-Storage Facility Opens in Jacksonville, Strengthening Local Market
Jacksonville, Florida – A significant addition to the Northeast Florida cold-storage market is now in operation. Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art facility on December 5. The facility, which cost nearly $87 million, is located at 9765 N. Main St. within the Imeson International Industrial Park.
Facility Details and Specifications
The new facility spans an impressive 310,922 square feet and offers 44,060 pallet positions. It maintains a temperature range between -10 and 38 degrees, making it suitable for various perishable products. This expansive cold-storage space aims to meet the growing demands of local businesses needing reliable frozen and refrigerated storage options.
Ceremonial Opening and Key Players
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by representatives from Arcadia, Saxum Real Estate, and Primus Builders Inc., who collaborated to bring the facility to life. The groundbreaking event for the center took place in mid-April 2023, marking the beginning of construction for this significant project.
Importance of the Location
The choice of location is strategic. CEO and President of Arcadia Cold, Chris Hughes, emphasized the alignment with JaxPort’s expansion plans. He announced, “We want to be part of a port that has expansion plans and is investing in itself with container routes that include South America.” The facility is positioned advantageously to handle inbound and outbound routes for perishable goods.
City Support and Incentives
The Jacksonville City Council also played a vital role in making this project successful. On August 24, the Council voted unanimously, 17-0, to approve a five-year, 50% Recapture Enhanced Value grant for Arcadia Cold Jacksonville LLC. This grant supports the development of the refrigerated distribution center, a crucial investment for the area’s economic growth.
Growing Trend in Cold-Storage Development
Jacksonville has seen a notable surge in cold-storage development in recent years. Projects such as the 265,264-square-foot Karis Cold and DSI South LLC warehouse at 10105 Pritchard Road and the 38,000-square-foot Axionlog facility at 11370 New Berlin Road highlight the increasing demand for cold-storage solutions. JaxPort reported that Axionlog plans to expand to 100,000 square feet, potentially creating 60 jobs within five years.
Additionally, FlexCold LLC is expanding its warehouse at 11180 Blasius Road to 346,000 square feet, while FreezPak Logistics recently opened a 274,692-square-foot center at 8730 Somers Road. Such developments indicate a robust and growing sector aimed at catering to the logistical needs of perishable goods.
The Future of Cold Storage in Jacksonville
As the demand for cold-storage facilities continues to rise, the new Arcadia Cold facility stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to expanding its commercial infrastructure. With strategic partnerships and city support, Jacksonville is poised for continued growth in this vital sector, ensuring that local businesses have access to the resources they need to thrive.
