CJ Logistics to open rail-connected cold storage

CJ Logistics America expects to open a new cold storage warehouse in 2025 in New Century, Kansas, 30 miles outside of Kansas City.

Developed in a joint venture by Yukon Real Estate Partners, a national cold storage developer, and BGO, which specializes in cold storage real estate, the project boasts a rail-served 291,000-sq.-ft. warehouse complete with Alta Expert refrigeration, the company reported.

The new warehouse facility will be attached to Upfield’s New Century production plant through an above-ground conveyor bridge being constructed by Upfield, allowing its finished product to be delivered directly into the warehouse. There is currently 100,000 sq. ft. available for other customers as well.

“The opening of this new facility continues the momentum from our announcement earlier this year of our new cold storage warehouse in Gainesville, Georgia,” CJ Logistics CEO Kevin Coleman said in a news release. “We see the frozen and refrigerated food market increasing significantly in the coming years. Both of these new buildings expand our capabilities and reach, positioning CJ Logistics as a top supply chain and logistics partner.

“We are so excited for this long-term partnership with a leading brand like Upfield, and we thank Yukon Real Estate and BGO for their support throughout this process.”

The New Century facility is positioned less than 4 miles from Interstate 35 and 11 miles from the newly developed BNSF Railway transcontinental line intermodal facility. The project is strategically located to take advantage of “best-in-class” access throughout the Midwest. With a direct rail spur into the warehouse, customers will benefit from material savings on their logistics costs, including drayage and demurrage, less environmental emissions, and increased shipping efficiency, both domestic and cross-border.

Whether by highway, rail, or air, the greater Kansas City market offers transportation advantages, as approximately 85% of the United States is reachable within two days, the company said.

“We are excited about this project as it fits squarely with Upfield’s sustainability focus and sets us up for future growth efficiency, allowing us to streamline our U.S. supply chain as we build around our New Century factory,” said Byron Alvarez, Upfield’s North America supply chain director.