The International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) and International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA) are set to officially merge as the new Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA).
The boards of directors for both cold chain partner organizations agreed in principle to the move this week.
“Success of the global supply chain depends on transportation and warehousing working closely together,” said Ron Buford, IARW’s immediate past chairman (who was chairman when the agreement was finalized). “The merger of IARW and IRTA recognizes that important connection and will help strengthen the global supply chain at this critical time.
“Working together, the warehouse and transportation members can easily and efficiently develop and implement collaborative solutions to problems facing the cold chain community as a whole.”
Over the coming months, the IARW and IRTA boards will work with staff to solidify the structure and governance of the merged entity, the organizations said. That information will be shared with members later this year. Pending approval from the respective memberships in October, IARW and IRTA will continue to operate as currently structured through 2022, with the restructured GCCA to be launched Jan. 1, 2023.
“IRTA and IARW coming together affords us a tremendous opportunity to showcase thought leadership and enhance cross-community engagement between two vital sectors of the global supply chain,” stated Todd Lanter, IRTA chairman. “By formally bringing together our organizations, we can better support the industry and the members we serve.”
The World Food Logistics Organization and the Controlled Environment Building Association will remain as partners in the GCCA and continue operations as separate entities.
