Lineage Logistics acquires Cold Storage Nelson for major expansion into New Zealand’s cold storage logistics chain

Cold Storage Nelson adds to Lineage’s services as New Zealand’s market leader in cold storage services, catering to producers of marine, agricultural, horticultural and manufactured food products, predominantly for export markets

The strategic purchase further strengthens Lineage’s presence in Asia-Pacific, offering customers an expanded New Zealand network and linking them to a global network providing a platform for further growth in the region

Nelson – August 2, 2022 – Lineage Logistics, LLC. (“Lineage” or the “Company”), the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, today announced it has acquired leading New Zealand cold storage business, Cold Storage Nelson Limited (“CSN”). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“CSN has industry-leading skills in inventory control, compliance and traceability,” Mr. Jeff Rivera, Lineage’s Global Chief Operations Officer, said. “CSN’s facilities, combined with our industry-leading technology and innovation, will assist New Zealand customers to navigate increasing supply chain demands in New Zealand and internationally. We look forward to working closely with CSN’s customers on these new opportunities.”

Mr. Rivera said expanding Lineage’s footprint in Asia-Pacific through New Zealand, as a major primary produce exporting nation, has been a long-term strategic goal for the Company.

Lineage in New Zealand now has integrated assets in Auckland, Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, Nelson, Christchurch, Timaru, and Dunedin.

Consistent with Lineage’s commitment to sustainable practices, CSN has made major advances in energy efficiency by using advanced process control and design to ensure minimal usage and sophisticated purchasing of energy.

Mr. Rivera said Lineage, as an internationally integrated company, was acutely focused on further building out its New Zealand and Asia-Pacific footprint so customers could take advantage of Lineage’s leading global end-to-end logistics capability.
 

About Lineage Logistics

Lineage Logistics is one of the world’s leading temperature-controlled industrial REITs and logistics solutions providers. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totaling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity which spans 20 countries across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Lineage’s industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its real estate network, and development and deployment of innovative technology help increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was a 2022 U.S. Best Managed Company, No. 3 in the 2022 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, No. 17 in the 2021 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, the No 1. Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company’s 2019 list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortune’s Change The World list in 2020. (www.lineagelogistics.com)

Media Contacts:

Nigel Kassulke
+61 407 904 874
Nigel.Kassulke@teneo.com        

Lineage Logistics Announces Acquisition of Spanish Transport and Cold-Store Operator Grupo Fuentes

Lineage has announced its intention to acquire Grupo Fuentes, one of Spain’s principal transport and cold-storage logistics providers, headquartered in Murcia with facilities across the country

The expansion in Spain will reinforce Lineage’s commitment to one of Europe’s main markets for fresh produce

Grupo Fuentes is a major provider of transport services, and the intended acquisition will strengthen Lineage’s footprint for cold-storage distribution across the main markets in South and Western Europe

Novi, MI and Amsterdam, the Netherlands – August 1, 2022 – Lineage Logistics, LLC (“Lineage” or the “Company”), one of the world’s leading temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions providers, today announced its intention to acquire Grupo Fuentes, a major operator of transport and cold storage facilities, headquartered in Murcia, Spain.

Grupo Fuentes operates a fleet of over 500 vehicles and trailers, 6 logistics centers, a cold storage warehouse, and services supporting those facilities. It is also a founding member of Reefer Terminal, a strategic partnership to create an intermodal transportation platform combining road and rail cold-storage transport services.

Rafael Fuentes, CEO of Grupo Fuentes, said “My father started the company with just one truck more than 30 years ago and the business has grown into one of Spain’s leading providers of transportation and logistics services. I am proud to look forward to having the company form part of Lineage, as part of a global group at the forefront of innovation in the sector. The Fuentes family is expected to continue to lead Lineage’s business in Spain, and will play a leading role in Lineage in Spain and in the expansion of Lineage’s road transportation network across Europe, and oversee the integration of Grupo Fuentes into the Lineage family.”

Harld Peters, President of Europe at Lineage said “Spain is a major food producer in Europe, and our expanded presence there through the acquisition of Grupo Fuentes will allow us to manage a strategic connection between Southern Europe and Northern Europe, where Lineage has a strong existing footprint. Grupo Fuentes will accelerate our ongoing expansion into transport services, which will enable us to deliver end-to-end solutions for our customers throughout the Lineage network and Europe broadly.”

Grupo Fuentes is headquartered in Murcia, with offices in Galicia, Madrid, Navarra, Valencia, and the Netherlands. The company counts some of Spain’s major food and retail companies as customers, with a significant share of the business providing cold storage, transport, and international transport services covering Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and the UK.

Grupo Fuentes has a cold-storage warehouse in Murcia with 60,000 pallet positions and plans to expand the site with an additional 40,000 pallet positions.

Lineage first entered Spain in May 2021, with the acquisition of Frigoríficos de Navarra warehouses in Navarra and Asturias. The acquisition of Grupo Fuentes and its transport fleet is a complement to Lineage’s recent expansion of its European warehouse facilities.

Deloitte acts as financial advisor and legal counsel to the Fuentes family. Rabobank and Seven Lakes Partners act as Lineage’s financial advisors and Latham & Watkins and Garrigues serve as its legal counsels.
 

About Lineage Logistics

Lineage Logistics is one of the leading temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions providers worldwide. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totaling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity which spans 20 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.  Lineage has industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, an unrivaled real estate network, and develops and deploys innovative technology. This helps increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was listed as No. 3 in the 2022 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, named a Deloitte US Best Managed Company in 2022, the No. 1 Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company’s 2019 list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortune’s Change the World list in 2020. (www.lineagelogistics.com)

Media Contacts:

Lineage Logistics
Magnus Franklin
+32471620575
magnus.franklin@teneo.com      

Lineage Logistics Expands Direct-to-Consumer Fulfillment Solution

Lineage’s investments in Direct-to-Consumer Fulfillment include recent acquisition of Perishable Shipping Solutions, a leader in e-commerce fulfillment for perishable foods

Solution represents one of the first complete e-commerce offerings in the cold chain

Novi, MI – June 7, 2022 – Lineage Logistics, LLC (“Lineage” or the “Company”), the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, today announced that it is expanding its Direct-to-Consumer (“D2C”) Fulfillment solution to create a market leader in e-commerce for perishable customers.

As part of Lineage’s investment in D2C, Lineage has acquired Perishable Shipping Solutions (“PSS”), the premier e-commerce pick-and-pack order fulfillment service for brands requiring temperature-controlled storage and shipping. The acquisition of PSS follows the Company’s 2021 acquisition of Crystal Creek Logistics (“CCL”), a leading provider of last mile drop-ship order fulfillment for temperature-controlled goods. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Lineage’s expanded D2C Fulfillment solution provides a complete e-commerce offering for the cold chain, accommodating two-day ground shipping anywhere in the Continental United States. Currently servicing over 100 e-commerce food and beverage brands across eight facilities dedicated to D2C Fulfillment, Lineage’s seasoned team of e-commerce experts execute nearly 250,000 monthly shipments, amounting to over 2.5 million annual shipments.

“As the largest cold chain logistics provider, Lineage is uniquely positioned to be the partner of choice for the booming fresh and frozen direct-to-consumer market, which has experienced incredible growth in recent years,” said Mark Nelson, who leads D2C Fulfillment for Lineage Logistics. “Leveraging decades of experience in e-commerce fulfillment, in combination with Lineage’s comprehensive suite of transportation and temperature-controlled logistics solutions, our ability to support and scale with customers is unrivaled, whether they are primarily direct-to-consumer brands or brick-and-mortar brands considering an entrance to the market.”

A complete e-commerce offering for the cold chain, Lineage’s D2C Fulfillment solution includes:

• Strategically located fulfillment centers, operating eight temperature-controlled facilities ideally positioned to optimize two-day ground shipping to 99% of the U.S. population

• End-to-end logistics services, leveraging Lineage’s comprehensive suite of temperature-controlled transportation offerings

• Custom branded experiences, allowing partners to provide customers with a full branded unboxing experience including specialized packaging and inserts

• Commitment to food safety, using advanced temperature modeling to ensure products stay at the right temperature through delivery

• Dedicated customer service, deploying a team that will support customers from the time products enter Lineage’s facilities to when they arrive on a customer’s doorstep

To learn more about Lineage’s D2C Fulfillment solution, or to find out how you can partner with Lineage, click here.
 

About Lineage Logistics
Lineage Logistics is the world’s largest temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totaling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity, which spans 20 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.  Lineage’s industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivaled real estate network and the development and deployment of innovative technology help increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and, most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was a 2022 U.S. Best Managed Company, No. 3 in the 2022 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, No. 17 in the 2021 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, the No 1. Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company’s 2019 list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortune’s Change The World list in 2020. (www.lineagelogistics.com)
 

Media Contacts:
Lineage Logistics
Megan Hendricksen
949.247.5172
mhendricksen@lineagelogistics.com    

Lineage Logistics and Bay Grove Announce Acquisition of Turvo to Drive Smarter and More Sustainable Supply Chain

Turvo will continue to operate independently under its own brand, leadership and board of directors following acquisition

Acquisition is part of Lineage’s ongoing strategy to invest in technologies capable of transforming the global food supply chain

Turvo’s software platform unifies the supply chain by enabling real-time collaboration, visibility and execution across various transportation modes and geographies

Novi, MI – June 1, 2022 – Lineage Logistics, LLC (“Lineage” or the “Company”), the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, today announced it has acquired Turvo Inc., a leading provider of supply chain management, collaboration, and visibility software. Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

The acquisition is an extension of the companies’ long-standing partnership – including a previous investment in Turvo by Lineage Ventures – and combined vision for supply chain collaboration. With Lineage’s backing, Turvo will continue to focus on its customers, accelerate innovation in its technology offering and expand into new and adjacent markets under its own brand as a wholly owned subsidiary of Lineage.

“Lineage’s acquisition of Turvo was a natural extension of our partnership, through which we successfully launched Lineage Link™ last year,” said Adam Forste, Co-Executive Chairman of Lineage and Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Bay Grove, which founded and manages Lineage. “We wholeheartedly believe in Turvo’s mission to increase visibility and synergies within the supply chain, and we see this as an opportunity for additional value creation for both Lineage and Turvo customers. I look forward to leading the new Turvo Board of Directors and working with leadership to advance its roadmap to drive smarter, more sustainable supply chains.”

“Today is an exciting time for Turvo’s employees, customers, and partners,” said Scott Lang, Chairman and CEO of Turvo. “With backing from Lineage and Bay Grove, Turvo will accelerate innovation with much greater reach and scale than ever before, further advancing supply chain digitization globally. Our customers will benefit from greater investments into our vision and our technology.”

“The acquisition comes amid a spike in demand for transportation and warehousing and at a time in which the supply chain faces unprecedented challenges,” said Sudarsan Thattai, Lineage’s CIO & Chief Transformation Officer. “In joining forces with Turvo, we have a unique opportunity to alleviate the impact of those challenges for customers. Driver shortages and port congestion, for instance, are addressable by decreasing the number of trucks or containers required to deliver a product from farm to fork. Turvo’s platform matches customers to truck, rail or container assets that would otherwise be underutilized.”

“Deepening our relationship with Turvo shows how committed we are to innovation that furthers our purpose of transforming the food supply chain to eliminate waste and help feed the world,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President & CEO of Lineage. “Through this investment we will accelerate industry-leading technology that leverages supply chain synergies at scale, addressing issues of density and utilization across the network and decreasing complexity and waste in the supply chain for all participants, from customers to shippers to carriers.”

About Lineage Logistics
Lineage Logistics is the world’s largest temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totaling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity, which spans 20 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.  Lineage’s industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivaled real estate network and the development and deployment of innovative technology help increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and, most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was a 2022 U.S. Best Managed Company, No. 3 in the 2022 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, No. 17 in the 2021 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, the No 1. Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company’s 2019 list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortune’s Change The World list in 2020. (www.lineagelogistics.com)

About Turvo
Turvo provides the world’s leading collaboration application designed specifically for the supply chain. Turvo connects people and organizations, allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to unite their supply chains, deliver outstanding customer experiences, collaborate in real-time, and accelerate growth. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end solution to execute all operations and analytics while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. Turvo customers include some of the world’s largest Fortune 500 logistics service providers, shippers, and freight brokers. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India. (www.turvo.com)
 

Media Contacts:

Lineage Logistics
Megan Hendricksen
949.247.5172
mhendricksen@lineagelogistics.com                

Turvo, Inc.
Samantha Foley
214.263.3547
sfoley@turvo.com

Lineage Opens Latest Fully-Automated Cold-Storage Warehouse Expansion in Peterborough to Create South East Superhub

Lineage’s South East Superhub significantly expands cold-storage capacity in the region using the latest in automation and refrigeration technology

The site will provide additional supply-chain reliability in the South East and connect with Lineage’s leading warehouse and logistics network in Continental Europe

Novi, MI and Peterborough, UK – May 19, 2022 – Lineage Logistics, LLC (“Lineage” or the “Company”), one of the world’s leading temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions providers, today unveiled its South East Superhub in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, just 70 miles from Central London and 120 miles from its Northern Superhub in Heywood near Manchester.

Lineage completed the new, fully-automated warehouse expansion with an additional 45,000 pallet positions in Peterborough, bringing the total capacity to nearly 71,000 pallets today. The expanded warehouse creates a strategically-positioned South East Superhub, which will serve both retail and foodservice customers with unique supply chain requirements. This 35-metre tall expansion will feature some of the world’s most sophisticated automation and refrigeration technology, helping to reduce energy consumption and the environmental impact of food distribution.

“We are investing in the future of food supply chain across Europe, using the latest technology, data analytics and green solutions to help feed the world in the most efficient way possible. Our Peterborough Superhub is the latest demonstration of Lineage’s ongoing commitment to our UK customers and an indication of our aim to be a leader in this crucial sector across Europe,” said Harld Peters, President of Europe at Lineage.

Lineage is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions, and achieving this goal goes hand in hand with innovation, which is why the South East Superhub has the latest data-driven solutions to optimize energy use, with precision cooling cycles and full automation to minimize energy leakage.

The combination of traditional capacity in Lineage’s existing facilities on the site, combined with the expansion’s automated design, will enable maximum flexibility and a highly-customized solutions for customers. This investment brings Lineage’s total automated warehouse count in the UK to six, with a total of 335,000 automated pallet positions.

The South East Superhub launch follows the expansion of Lineage’s Northern Superhub near Manchester, in September 2021, which added 22,000 pallet positions in a state-of-the-art facility. Together, these warehouses serve the main population and economic centres in England, and complement Lineage’s other facilities in the UK, ensuring that food service and retail customers across the country have access to reliable, sustainable and efficient warehouses to store cold and frozen food on the way to the final customer.

“At a time of supply chain volatility, Lineage’s Peterborough Superhub will play a key role in ensuring a reliable food supply in the most densely populated part of the UK,” said Tim Moran, Lineage’s Senior Vice President for Operations in Europe. “Additionally, we’ll be able to meet growing customer demand from both online and conventional grocery sales, an accelerated trend coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the disruption of supplies stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”

Lineage Logistics is one of the largest temperature-controlled logistics providers in the UK. At the same time, Lineage has been expanding its network across Europe in recent years, creating a one-stop-shop solution for customers across the continent. This reduces the complexity of moving food between countries, reduces food waste and makes the distribution of food and goods requiring cold storage more efficient.

“Our large expansions in these two critical logistics hubs highlight Lineage’s commitment to adapting to our customers’ demands as consumer expectations shift in the UK and around the globe,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lineage. “We are, and have always been, 100% focused on our customers and their extended supply chains, and we are pleased to make these significant investments, create more than 230 much-needed jobs and provide expanded access to our next-generation cold storage network.”

About Lineage Logistics

Lineage Logistics is one of the world’s leading temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions providers. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totaling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity, which spans 20 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.  Lineage’s industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivaled real estate network and the development and deployment of innovative technology help increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and, most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was a 2022 U.S. Best Managed Company, No. 3 in the 2022 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, No. 17 in the 2021 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, the No 1. Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company’s 2019 list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortune’s Change The World list in 2020. (www.lineagelogistics.com)

Media Contacts:

Lineage Logistics
Magnus Franklin
+32471620575
magnus.franklin@teneo.com

Lineage Logistics acquires Mandai Link Logistics for major expansion into Singapore

Mandai Link is the market leader in Singapore for the provision of cold storage services and automated operations

Singapore is a mature, sophisticated economy with incentives for cold storage development

Singapore is a gateway to the ASEAN region via its strong port infrastructure 

The strategic purchase continues to strengthen Lineage’s presence in South East Asia, offering customers an expanded network across Asia and providing a platform for further growth in the region

Brings Lineage country network to 20

Singapore – Lineage Logistics, LLC. (“Lineage” or the “Company”), the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, today announced it has acquired Mandai Link Logistics (“Mandai”), marking the Company’s market entry into Singapore. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Mandai established Singapore’s first fully automated cold storage facility and has been long considered a local market leader in the provision of cold storage warehousing and distribution services,” Jeff Hogarth, President Asia Pacific at Lineage, said.

“Tan Seng Eng, CEO of Mandai, is a visionary who made a huge bet by investing early in automation, and we are pleased that she will stay on as an advisor to Lineage.”

Mr. Hogarth said expanding Lineage’s footprint in Asia through Singapore as a major trading hub has been a long-term strategic goal for the Company.

“Mandai’s facilities, combined with our industry-leading technology and innovations, will  assist customers to navigate increasing supply chain demands in Singapore and internationally.

“We look forward to working closely with Mandai’s customers on these new opportunities.”

Mandai serves as a one-stop hub for refrigerated food distribution in Singapore with a full range of solutions including procurement, transport and warehousing. It has a fleet of refrigerated trucks and has a facility that can house 28,000 pallets.

Mandai main facility is fully automated, has integrated solar power, and a rainwater collection system for washing its refrigerated trucks.

Mr. Hogarth said Lineage, as an internationally integrated company, was acutely focused on further building out its Asia Pacific footprint so customers could take advantage of Lineage’s leading global end-to-end logistics capability.

About Lineage Logistics

Lineage Logistics is the world’s largest temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totalling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity which spans 20 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.  Lineage’s industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivalled real estate network, and development and deployment of innovative technology help increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was listed as No. 17 in the 2021 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, the No 1. Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company’s 2019 list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortune’s Change The World list in 2020. (www.lineagelogistics.com) 


Media Contacts:

Nigel Kassulke
+61 407 904 874
Nigel.Kassulke@teneo.com

Smithfield Foods and Lineage Logistics Unveil Fully-Automated, Next-Gen Distribution Center

New state-of-the-art facility in Olathe, Kansas – designed by Lineage Logistics and featuring its industry-leading technology – supports Smithfield’s sustainability, customer satisfaction and efficiency goals

Olathe, KS – Smithfield Foods, Inc., a vertically integrated global food company and one of the world’s largest pork producers and processors, and Lineage Logistics, LLC, the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled REIT and logistics solutions provider, today announced the opening of an automated, next-generation distribution center in Olathe, Kansas.

Lineage designed and built the new facility to enhance Smithfield’s complex distribution network, which supplies thousands of destinations with frequent shipments of protein in varying quantities. Spanning nearly 20 million cubic feet with over 62,000 pallet positions, the distribution center’s innovations provide new levels of operational efficiency and reliability via automation.

At the facility’s core are 18 automated cranes that move inventory into, out of and within the facility, which also features one of the largest temperature-controlled layer-picking systems in the world. Layer-pickers disassemble and reassemble pallets of goods, a process previously performed manually. As a result, the robotics and software fully automate over 97% of the product movement through the facility.

Lineage sponsored academic research in mathematics to determine how to schedule and dispatch components in the facility, increasing throughput capability. Computer vision systems automatically identify the contents of each pallet, decreasing the building footprint. Lineage’s technology teams refined the robotic layout in simulation, stress-testing it against high growth, food holidays and even March 2020 panic-buying.

The facility also features Lineage’s patented blast cell technology (US Patent #10,663,210) that reduces freeze time and energy use by approximately one-half relative to traditional blast cells, aligning with Smithfield’s industry leading commitment to sustainability. Smithfield has pledged to become carbon negative, reduce GHG emissions 30% and halve food waste in its U.S. company owned operations by 2030.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of the state-of-the-art facility that Lineage designed and built for Smithfield in Olathe,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and CEO of Lineage. “At Lineage, we seek to partner with customers who are dedicated to transforming the food supply chain and, by leveraging our innovation and expertise, Smithfield will optimize their operations for speed and efficiency."

“Our new facility in Olathe represents the pinnacle of supply chain technology. It combines innovations in robotics, numerical simulation, thermodynamics, algorithms, computer vision and software to enable reliable and efficient access to food,” explained Sudarsan Thattai, Chief Information Officer and Chief Transformation Officer of Lineage. “Olathe is the foundation of our automated future.”

“As a major food company feeding a growing global population sustainably, we’re continually working to implement enhancements across our value chain, including our distribution network, to support our customers and reduce our environmental footprint,” said Shane Smith, President and CEO of Smithfield. “We’re pleased to partner with an innovation-driven company like Lineage to further optimize our operations and better serve our customers.”

“Automation is increasingly important element of our strategy to achieve efficiencies across our business and exceed customer expectations,” said Brady Stewart, Chief Operating Officer for Smithfield Foods. “The opening of our new facility in Olathe brings unmatched innovation and new levels of resiliency to our supply chain.”

“Lineage Logistics’ decision to build the Smithfield Foods distribution center in Kansas is confirmation that our central location, strong infrastructure and world-class workforce are exactly what companies need to expand business operations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This project is a major win for Olathe and the state as a whole. Lineage exemplifies the type of businesses we are working to attract and retain, and their investment helps solidify our role as a 21st century hub for transportation, logistics and distribution.”

In addition to state-of-the-art software inside the building, the facility features Lineage Link™, a customer experience platform that provides Smithfield unprecendeted access, visibility and control to their product. With the ability to see inventory levels and receive timely alerts, Smithfield can place the necessary orders and schedule the shipments to ensure their product reaches consumers when it is needed. This platform in turn seamlessly interacts with the operating software to ensure the tasks are prioritized for the requisite appointments to maintain the highest level of throughput and productivity. With this software investment, Lineage is pushing the bounds of what is possible in the food supply chain by creating a network in which food suppliers, carriers and distributors maintain a level of access and control that ultimately builds a stronger, more robust food system.

About Lineage Logistics

Lineage Logistics is the world’s largest temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totaling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity which spans 19 countries across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.  Lineage’s industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivaled real estate network, and development and deployment of innovative technology help increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was listed as No. 17 in the 2021 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, the No 1. Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company’s 2019 list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortune’s Change The World list in 2020. (www.lineagelogistics.com)

About Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Va. since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. With more than 60,000 jobs globally, we are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly®" and serve as one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in our U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30 percent across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media Contacts:

Lineage Logistics
Megan Hendricksen
949.247.5172
mhendricksen@lineagelogistics.com

Smithfield Foods
Anna Harry
757-365-1985
aharry@smithfield.com

Lineage Logistics Broadens North American Network with Acquisition of VersaCold Logistics Services from TorQuest Partners

Acquisition bolsters Lineage’s existing presence in Canada and enables the Company to provide more efficient cross-border solutions for customers in North America and beyond

Novi, MI – Lineage Logistics, LLC (“Lineage” or the “Company”), one of the world’s leading and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REITs and logistics solutions providers, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire VersaCold Logistics Services (“VersaCold”), a leading cold chain solution provider in Canada, from TorQuest Partners (“TorQuest”) and its co-investment partners, The Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (“IMCO”) and OPTrust. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, VersaCold is a cold chain leader that runs 24 temperature-controlled facilities comprising 114 million cubic feet of storage and 361,000 pallet positions. Its strategically-positioned network spans nine provinces and includes properties in Canada’s most populous metropolitan markets—including Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Montreal. VersaCold also offers an integrated, asset-based inbound and outbound temperature-controlled transportation solution that operates out of nine terminals across the country and provides coast-to-coast service capabilities.

“Our acquisition of VersaCold represents yet another milestone and an important broadening of our business in Canada,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and CEO of Lineage Logistics. “In its 80-plus year history, VersaCold has built a stellar reputation by providing customers with differentiated and fully integrated warehousing and transportation solutions across Canada. We are excited to bring them into the One Lineage family and work alongside the VersaCold leadership team to better serve customers across North America. We also look forward to supporting capacity expansion plans at a number of warehouses across key Canadian markets.”

"We look forward to embarking on this journey with Lineage Logistics,” said Mike Arcamone, President and CEO of VersaCold Logistics Services. “Lineage has emerged as a world leader in creating innovative solutions to help reduce waste across the temperature-controlled supply chain. Combining our seasoned team and our complementary facility network with Lineage will create an even more dynamic company capable of supporting the growing needs of our customers in Canada and around the globe.”

"TorQuest has enjoyed our partnership with Mike and the VersaCold team, and the opportunity to provide capital to invest in and reposition its facility network for the future” said Jonathan Fraser, Partner at TorQuest. “VersaCold has thrived under our ownership, and we are very pleased to have Lineage step in to drive the next chapter for the business. We are also excited to be investing in Lineage as part of this transaction and for our investors to participate in future value creation.”

The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2022 subject to customary closing conditions.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to VersaCold and TorQuest and Stikeman Elliott LLP served as legal counsel. JP Morgan Chase and Scotia Bank acted as Lineage’s financial advisors and Latham & Watkins as well as Bennett Jones acted as its legal counsel.
 

About Lineage Logistics

Lineage Logistics is one of the world’s leading temperature-controlled industrial REITs and logistics solutions providers. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totaling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity which spans 19 countries across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Lineage’s industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its real estate network, and development and deployment of innovative technology help increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was listed as No. 17 in the 2021 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, the No 1. Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company’s 2019 list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortune’s Change The World list in 2020. (www.lineagelogistics.com)

About VersaCold Logistics Services

VersaCold is one of Canada's leading supply chain solutions companies focused exclusively on the handling of temperature sensitive food products. VersaCold delivers a suite of fully integrated logistics services through its national network of industry leading facilities, transportation fleet and advanced technologies that set the benchmark for accessibility, information visualization, real-time tracking and inventory management. VersaCold is proud to play a key role in ensuring the safety, quality and freshness of some of North America's most beloved food brands, protecting the health and wellness of families across Canada from coast to coast. For more information about VersaCold, please visit www.versacold.com.

About TorQuest Partners

Founded in 2002, TorQuest Partners is a Canadian-based manager of private equity funds. With more than C$3.5 billion of equity capital under management, TorQuest is currently investing from TorQuest Partners Fund V, a C$1.4 billion fund that closed in March 2020. TorQuest invests in middle market companies and works in close partnership with management to build value. To learn more about TorQuest, please visit www.torquest.com.


Media Contacts:
Lineage Logistics
Megan Hendricksen
949.247.5172
mhendricksen@lineagelogistics.com

VersaCold Logistics Services
Brian Dove
416.557.3948
Brian.Dove@versacold.com

Lineage Logistics Next-Generation Automated Cold Storage Facility to Provide Global Food Chain Hub for JBS USA

Lineage will own and operate the Great Western Industrial Park facility that will serve as a strategic distribution hub for JBS customers on the West Coast

Project will deliver a $102.9 million economic benefit and bring 80 new jobs to northern Colorado

Novi, MI – Lineage Logistics, LLC (“Lineage” or the “Company”), the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, today announced the construction of a next-generation automated cold-storage facility in Windsor, Colo., on behalf of JBS USA (“JBS”), a leading global food company.

Lineage designed an automated facility spanning more than 200,000 square feet that will provide JBS with expanded blast freezing and storage capacity, as well as rail access to support the shipment of export products to ports located on the West Coast. The facility will join Lineage’s growing network of fully automated facilities worldwide.

“We are thrilled to partner with our long-term customer, JBS, along with the Town of Windsor and Upstate Colorado Economic Development on this project that builds on JBS's long history of supporting local Colorado communities,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and CEO of Lineage. “Through this tremendous partnership, we will construct a new, world-class automated cold storage facility that leverages our industry-leading technology and expertise and builds a more efficient supply chain for JBS.”

”This is an exciting project for our company that supports not just our efforts to provide high-quality food for families around the world but also our longstanding commitment to the state of Colorado,” said Tim Schellpeper, CEO of JBS USA. “The new state-of-the-art facility strengthens our longterm, successful partnership with Lineage, streamlines our supply chain to benefit customers and improves efficiencies, all while benefitting this region through job creation and local investment.”

The new facility will be built on land purchased by Lineage within the 3,000-acre Great Western Industrial Park (GWIP). Owned and operated by rail and real estate developer The Broe Group, the strategic GWIP site will be rail served by The Broe Group’s transportation affiliate, OmniTRAX,  which owns and operates a network of 24 regional and shortline railroads across North America. OmniTRAX will design, build and operate a custom intermodal rail solution for the new facility that unlocks bulk shipment efficiency and enables worldwide reach.

Lineage and JBS worked closely with the Town of Windsor, CO and Upstate Colorado Economic Development to secure this project. As a result of this public-private collaboration, the facility will result in a $102.9 million, 10-year net fiscal benefit to the Town that will support further economic development of the region, including the creation of 80 permanent jobs.

“The Town of Windsor is pleased to welcome a quality company like Lineage Logistics to our community. We appreciate their significant investment in this facility and creating valuable jobs for our region,” said Paul Rennemeyer, Mayor, Town of Windsor.  

“We are excited to see projects like this come to fruition; it is a testament to the collaboration between Windsor, Weld County and the amazing asset this region has in the Great Western Industrial Park,” said Weld County Commissioner, Chair, Scott James. “We want to thank Upstate Colorado Economic Development for their work with our public and private sector partners to bring this project to Northern Colorado. We welcome Lineage Logistics and are excited to support them as they bring new jobs, new investment, and contribute to our thriving food systems cluster in Weld County.”

The construction of the facility is expected to be complete in 2023.  

About Lineage Logistics

Lineage Logistics is the world’s largest temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totaling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity which spans 19 countries across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.  Lineage’s industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivaled real estate network, and development and deployment of innovative technology help increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was listed as No. 17 in the 2021 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, the No 1. Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company’s 2019 list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortune’s Change The World list in 2020. (www.lineagelogistics.com)
 

About JBS USA

JBS USA is a leading global food company providing diversified, high-quality food products for sale to customers in approximately 100 countries on six continents. This includes meat, poultry and seafood products, a portfolio of recognized brands and innovative premium foods. Visit jbsfoodsgroup.com.
 

About OmniTRAX, Inc.

As one of North America’s largest and fastest growing private railroad and transportation management companies, OmniTRAX's core capabilities range from providing transportation and supply chain management services to railroad and port companies, to providing intermodal and industrial switching operations to railroads, ports and a diverse group of industrial companies. Through its affiliation with The Broe Group and its portfolio of managed companies, OmniTRAX also has the unique capability of offering specialized industrial development and real estate solutions, both on and off the rail network managed by OmniTRAX. More information is available at omnitrax.com. 

 

Media Contacts:
Lineage Logistics
Megan Hendricksen
949.247.5172
mhendricksen@lineagelogistics.com

Lineage Logistics Teams Up with Mirvac to Develop Landmark Cold Storage Warehouse in Western Sydney

Proposed 36,000 sqm state-of-the-art facility will address growing cold storage demand and boost New South Wales economy

Lineage chooses Mirvac’s Aspect Industrial Estate due to strategic location and focus on flexibility, functionality, and sustainability

Sydney, Australia – Lineage Logistics, LLC (“Lineage” or the “Company”), the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, today announced it has entered an agreement with Mirvac, a leading Australian property group, to develop a landmark cold storage warehouse in western Sydney, subject to planning approvals

“This proposed facility is a game changer for Lineage in Australia in terms of serving new and existing customers,” Jeff Hogarth, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific at Lineage, said.

“Expanding our footprint in the important Sydney market has been a long-term strategic goal for the company, and we’re pleased to partner with Mirvac on this exciting project.

“The scale of the facility combined with our industry-leading technology and innovations will help our customers better navigate increasing supply chain demands both domestically and internationally.

“This major investment in the NSW food supply chain will allow the fast and secure delivery of fresh food produce to our customers. It also links producers in NSW to the rest of Australia and important international markets,” he said.

Mr. Hogarth said the development had the potential to create a significant number of jobs and contribute to the ongoing economic development of Western Sydney.

Lineage will purchase a prime seven-hectare land parcel in Mirvac’s Aspect Industrial Estate at Kemps Creek where it plans to develop an automated facility comprising 50,000-pallet positions and an 18,000-pallet position manual warehouse for retail operations. It is envisaged the 36,000 sqm facility will feature 43 loading docks and 235 carparks.

The facility will be situated in a rapidly growing development corridor near the new Badgery's Creek Airport and will involve the construction of significant new road infrastructure. The site is adjacent to major retailers and distribution centres for Australian and international brands.

Lineage’s industry-leading automation technology, which is set to be installed at the new facility, increases storage density, maximizes capacity, provides real-time inventory management, and keeps food safe, while simultaneously reducing energy consumption.

“Lineage’s growing automation presence comes at a critical time for the cold chain sector as the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated changes to operations, particularly when it comes to managing our workforce,” Mr. Hogarth said.

He said Lineage as an internationally integrated company was acutely focused on further building out our Australian and regional footprint so customers could take advantage of Lineage’s leading global end-to-end logistics capability.

The proposed facility is subject to the receipt of the relevant planning approvals from NSW Department of Planning and Environment.  

The sale was negotiated by CBRE’s Industrial and Logistics Regional Director – Cameron Grier.
 

About Lineage Logistics
Lineage Logistics is the world’s largest temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totalling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity which spans 19 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.  Lineage’s industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivalled real estate network, and development and deployment of innovative technology help increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was listed as No. 17 in the 2021 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, the No 1. Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company’s 2019 list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortune’s Change The World list in 2020. (www.lineagelogistics.com) 
 

Media Contacts:
Nigel Kassulke
+61 407 904 874                                                             
Nigel.Kassulke@teneo.com