NOVI, MI - Even the freshest and highest-quality produce is worthless without an efficient and expansive cold supply chain that can move fruits and veg from the field to the produce aisle while maintaining the integrity of the product. This is why companies from every sector along the supply chain are constantly searching for new innovation and global reach in the cold-storage sector. Lineage Logistics Holdings, one of the world’s largest providers of temperature-controlled logistics solutions, has announced its plans to expand its capabilities with the acquisition of Emergent Cold, in efforts to strengthen its port presence in the U.S. and push further into the Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka markets, building on Lineage’s existing presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Food producers, manufacturers, and retailers are looking for cold-chain partners who can offer a dynamic and truly end-to-end temperature-controlled logistics solution, and one that can reach every corner of the world,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lineage Logistics, in a press release. “Welcoming Emergent to the Lineage family not only adds significant capacity to our international footprint, but also deepens our commitment to our port strategy and international trade. We are better able to help customers respond to constantly shifting market dynamics, such as global network optimisation, tariff impacts, consumer preference shifts, and much more, while at the same time unlocking new potential market opportunities to sell their goods.”

Although no financial details were disclosed in the company's press release, Supply Chain Digital estimates that Lineage Logistics is spending more than $900 million on the acquisition, and will be increasing its global footprint by around eight percent of capacity as a result of the deal. The acquisition will add 46 facilities in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, to Lineage’s operations. Once the transaction closes, the company’s combined footprint will feature over 1.7 billion-cubic-feet of temperature-controlled capacity across 260 facilities in 10 countries spanning North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, according to the press release. The transaction includes a newly-constructed distribution center in the Dallas-Fort Worth region; four U.S. port facilities in Houston, New Orleans, and Charleston; and the purchase of real estate at select facility sites currently leased by Emergent.

“Joining Lineage accelerates our goal of providing the highest quality global cold chain solutions to our customers,” said Neal Rider, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Emergent. “Lineage has established itself as a leader in our industry, and expanding its global footprint and port presence with the addition of Emergent will create incredible opportunities for our collective customers. I also want to thank Elliott Management for believing in and backing us when Emergent Cold was just an idea, and our Executive Chairman Chris Jamroz for his tireless leadership and support. Their partnership, support, and expertise has been critical in driving Emergent’s success, and we are looking forward to the next chapter with Bay Grove and Lineage.”

After the transaction wraps, Lineage positions itself as a valuable partner to help companies meet growing export demand and an ever-expanding global supply chain. The Australian cold-storage sector in Australia alone is valued at $5 billion, which Lineage is eager to tap into, as well as the rapidly-expanding cold-storage sectors in New Zealand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka that address the supply chain demands in the Asia-Pacific region.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the industry impact from the evolving cold-storage sector.

Lineage Logistics Emergent Cold