Americold’s Groundbreaking New Import-Export Hub: A Game-Changer for Cold Storage in Canada
Americold, a leading temperature-controlled warehousing operator, has recently announced an exciting development: the commencement of construction on its very first import-export hub in Canada. This significant investment marks a milestone not just for Americold, but also for the entire cold storage and logistics sector in North America.
A New Chapter for Port Saint John
Based out of Atlanta, Americold recognizes the strategic importance of Port Saint John in New Brunswick. This new facility will boast a remarkable 22,000 pallet positions, equating to approximately 800 full truckloads of storage space. The hub is designed to facilitate the efficient movement of temperature-sensitive goods, making it an essential asset for food producers looking to enhance their distribution networks.
Major Investments Fueling Expansion
Americold is set to invest between $75 million and $80 million into this new location. This financial commitment is further buttressed by strategic partnerships with global ports operator DP World and Canadian railway giant Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). Such collaborations signify a robust effort to attract major global shipping lines, enhancing the region’s logistical capabilities.
Rob Chambers, President of the Americas at Americold, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “The infrastructure investments by DP World and CPKC alongside Port Saint John have attracted major global shipping lines to this location. Our world-class cold storage facility and value-added services will support food flows between Central and Eastern Canada, Europe, South America, and APAC.”
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The construction of this warehouse is projected to generate an impressive $37 million in direct GDP for the area, while also creating up to 100 permanent jobs by 2029. To foster this growth, New Brunswick has stepped up with a $1 million commitment in payroll tax rebates, underscoring the local government’s support for this transformative project.
Luke Randall, New Brunswick’s opportunities minister, highlighted that “Americold’s expansion enhances the Port’s capacity to accommodate growing shipping volumes and strengthens its position as Atlantic Canada’s largest port by volume,” emphasizing the broader economic benefits for exporting companies in New Brunswick.
A Central Node in Canada’s Cold Chain Network
This facility will be Americold’s sixth cold storage location in Canada and will contribute to their extensive portfolio of 1.4 billion cubic feet of refrigerated space across 235 facilities in regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America. Such scale is critical in an era where demand for efficient cold storage solutions is surging, especially following the recent shifts in consumer behavior and supply chain dynamics.
In a recent update, Americold did adjust its full-year 2025 outlook, attributing the changes to shifting demand among food producers in response to recent tariff announcements. This highlights the need for adaptability in an ever-evolving market landscape.
Strategic Collaboration for Supply Chain Excellence
CKPC President and CEO Keith Creel affirmed the ongoing collaboration with Americold, declaring that “This Port Saint John facility builds on the unique ecosystem that CPKC and Americold are creating to provide our customers an unrivaled cold chain across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.” This integration promises innovative supply chain solutions aimed at elevating service levels and operational efficiency.
With these ongoing developments, Americold is poised to redefine the cold storage and logistics landscape in Canada, enhancing market access and creating a robust network designed to support both local economies and global supply chains.