PermaCold Logistics to Build $60 Million Facility in Georgia
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Georgia leaders have inked a $60 million deal with PermaCold Logistics for construction of a cold storage facility along Interstate 95, a deal officials said highlights the state’s viability as a regional port gateway for refrigerated goods.
“We’re happy to welcome PermaCold to one of the fastest growing markets in America,” Flavio Batista, chief commercial officer for Georgia Ports, said July 18. “Their decision to invest here will deliver more cold chain service options for port customers, and strengthen Savannah’s position as the Southeast’s primary gateway for refrigerated commodities.”
Construction began on the 30,000-pallet facility following a July 10 groundbreaking ceremony at the Tidewaters Industrial Complex in Darien. The location in McIntosh County is 20 miles from the Port of Brunswick, which is some 60 miles south of Savannah.
“The USDA-certified location is ideally suited to handle protein exports and imports such as frozen seafood,” Georgia Ports noted in a news release. “Approximately 40% of all frozen poultry that leaves the United States does so through the Port of Savannah, making it the nation’s busiest gateway for poultry exports. The import of refrigerated goods helps support domestic producers by providing a steady supply of empty containers to carry U.S. exports.”
(Tidewaters Industrial Complex)
Agriculture is a leading economic sector for Georgia, contributing $91.4 billion annually to the state’s economy. The highest-value commodities are broiler chickens, eggs, beef, cotton, peanuts, timber, blueberries, corn and dairy products.
Gov. Brian Kemp described the deal as “the largest known economic development win for McIntosh County” and an achievement for rural Georgia. Construction is being handled by cold storage development specialists Ti Cold and Karis Cold. Karis Cold is based in Florida and Ti Cold is headquartered in Indiana.
“We’ve had the privilege of building in Georgia many times over the years, and we’re thrilled to be working in McIntosh County,” said Sam Tippmann, founder and CEO of Ti Cold.
“Companies like Ti Cold, Karis Cold, and PermaCold Logistics, as well as our reliable and fast-growing ports and highway systems, support logistics industry jobs in every corner of the state. I’m grateful for the decision to open this facility and bring even more jobs to hardworking rural Georgians,” Kemp said.
Four hours from Atlanta, the site will feature 20 truck parking spaces, 16 truck bays, a 70-foot-deep loading dock and a 50-foot clearance inside the building. Expected to open next year, the facility will employ about 50 people. It will offer storage and a refrigerated warehouse operation that can blast freeze 600,000 pounds daily.
Another big win for rural Georgia!
Today, we’re announcing the largest economic development investment EVER for McIntosh County as and Karis Cold break ground on a $60 million PermaCold Logistics cold storage facility in Darien, bringing 50 new jobs to the area.… — Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp)
According to Georgia Ports, PermaCold plans to use QFM equipment, an advanced technology that can freeze goods up to 80% faster than conventional blast freezers.
“Cold storage plays a vital role in Georgia’s logistics and supply chain infrastructure, ensuring that agricultural and food products reach markets efficiently,” said Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Innovative companies like Ti Cold, Karis Cold and PermaCold Logistics are helping to fuel economic growth across the state.”
Kate Pontello Karwacki, chair of the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners, called the deal “a strong endorsement of the assets we offer, from our strategic location along the I-95 corridor and proximity to the ports to the welcoming business climate we’re committed to fostering. This project not only brings high-quality jobs and economic opportunity but also strengthens the industrial foundation we’ve been working hard to build.”
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