United States Cold Storage (USCS) has purchased approximately 30 acres of land in Laredo, TX, and plans by early 2019 to build a new public refrigerated warehouse—its third in the market—to serve import and exports involving the United States and Mexico.
The site is strategically located between Laredo’s two most important and busiest bridge crossings with Mexico: the World Trade Bridge and the Columbia Bridge. USCS plans an initial Phase One building of 6 million to 8 million cubic feet with refrigerated and frozen storage and handling capabilities.
Just 10 to 15 miles away, USCS has two additional Laredo sites—one designated for meat inspections and another to handle frozen distribution imports.
“The refrigerated/fresh import market is developing quickly and we need a new facility that meets the requirements of this fast-paced business,” notes George Cruz, USCS Senior Vice President-Southern Region. “This new facility will feature special cross-dock shipping and receiving areas, a large yard for drop-trailers, and state-of-the-art refrigeration and material handling systems.”
Among those encouraged by USCS continued growth in the market is Jesus Olivares, Laredo City Manager.
“The recent expansion by U.S. Cold Storage in Laredo prompted our city council to approve a tax abatement in January of this year,” said Olivares. “Their business base here represents important, value-added jobs for our community and they are a major contributor to the pre-eminent status that Laredo enjoys as the largest inland port in the nation. When U.S. Cold Storage informed us about their site selection award to Laredo, it was something I considered a ‘win-win.’ We were ready and willing to help make that tax abatement deal to incentivize the growth of their business and our economy.”
“I am grateful to say we a large base of significant customers that are very loyal to us,” notes Cruz.
“Most are experiencing double-digit growth on exports from Mexico side and we want to ensure that we are there to support their needs.”
