Lineage Joins Global Initiative to Explore Sustainable Frozen Food Standards and Reduce Carbon Emissions

Lineage Logistics stores temperature controlled shipments of export cargo and import cargo in international trade.

Lineage Joins Global Initiative to Explore Sustainable Frozen Food Standards and Reduce Carbon Emissions

December 11th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Lineage, a leading temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, has joined the “Join the Move to -15 C” initiative, a coalition featuring global logistics firm DP World and other supply chain organizations. The campaign aims to investigate the potential transition to greener standards in frozen food storage, with the goal of significantly reducing carbon emissions in the sector.

The initiative challenges the long-standing international temperature standard of -18 C, established in the 1930s, by exploring a shift to -15 C. By raising the standard storage temperature of most frozen food by just 3 degrees Celsius, the industry could cut carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to removing 3.8 million cars from the road annually. Lineage, committed to transforming the food supply chain sustainably, sees this initiative as an opportunity for industry-wide collaboration to achieve the shared net-zero goal by 2050.

Greg Lehmkuhl, President and CEO of Lineage, expressed enthusiasm about participating in the coalition, highlighting Lineage’s dedication to innovating food safety and quality protocols while contributing to climate change mitigation. Academic research supports the initiative, demonstrating that the proposed temperature adjustment could result in significant environmental benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, energy savings, and supply chain cost reductions.

Dr. Stephen Neel, Lineage’s VP of Global Food Optimization, emphasized the company’s commitment to continuous safety conversations and ongoing innovation, reaffirming Lineage’s dedication to promoting the highest level of safety and quality for entrusted food resources.

In addition to Lineage, the coalition has been joined by other leading industry organizations, including A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) of Denmark; CMA CGM of France; Daikin of Japan; the Global Cold Chain Alliance; Hapag-Lloyd of Germany; Switzerland’s Kuehne + Nagel International; Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) of Italy; and Singapore-based Ocean Network Express.

The “Join the Move to –15 C” coalition and DP World have made the research accessible to all and invited stakeholders, industry leaders, and interested parties to show support for the campaign. To find out more or join the initiative, please visit: https://www.dpworld.com/sustainability/jointhemovetominus15.

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

August 23rd, 2022 Tim Jay Leave a comment

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.

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 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.

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Lineage to Expand Into New Zealand’s Cold Storage Logistics Chain

August 15th, 2022 Tim Jay Leave a comment

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.

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

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.

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

May 5th, 2022 Tim Jay Leave a comment

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, Mich-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.

Greg Lehmkuhl, President and CEO of Lineage Logistics had a bit of praise for VersaCold emphasizing that they built a stellar reputation by providing customers with differentiated and fully integrated warehousing and transportation solutions across Canada adding that they are excited to bring them into the One Lineage family and work alongside the VersaCold leadership team to better serve customers across North America.

Mike Arcamone, President and CEO of VersaCold Logistics Services hailed Lineage Logistics stating that they have emerged as a world leader in creating innovative solutions to help reduce waste across the temperature-controlled supply chain. He made it known that Combining their seasoned team and complementary facility network with Lineage will create an even more dynamic company capable of supporting the growing needs of customers in Canada and around the globe.

Jonathan Fraser, Partner at TorQuest also in his words made it known that VersaCold has thrived under their ownership, and that they are very pleased to have Lineage step in to drive the next chapter for the business. Stating that the company is also excited to be investing in Lineage as part of this transaction and for their 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 Scotiabank 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.

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Lineage Logistics Acquires MTC Logistics, Expanding Access to Ports on U.S. East and Gulf Coasts

March 28th, 2022 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Acquisition adds four cold storage facilities along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, including nearly 38M cubic feet and over 113,000 pallet positions.

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 has acquired MTC Logistics (“MTC”), a leading cold-chain provider with four strategic locations on or near the ports of Baltimore, MD, Wilmington, DE and Mobile, AL. Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

Through the acquisition of these four facilities, Lineage will add nearly 38 million cubic feet of capacity and over 113,000 pallet positions in the United States. These facilities will add to Lineage’s existing footprint of over 400 strategically located facilities totaling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity across 19 countries.

Greg Lehmkuhl, President and CEO of Lineage Logistics said “MTC Logistics’ strong presence at key ports along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts and focus on best-in-class service and innovation will help better connect our customers to the global food supply chain. We look forward to welcoming the MTC team into the One Lineage family and leveraging their expertise to fulfill our vision of becoming the world’s most dynamic temperature-controlled logistics company.”

MTC Logistics, was a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoffberger Holdings, Inc. (“HHI”) a diversified privately held investment company of the Hoffberger family of Baltimore, MD. A fifth-generation family business and recognized as one of the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) North American Top 25, MTC provides warehousing services including blast freezing, import/export services, case selection, transportation/port drayage and storage between -20 degrees Fahrenheit and +40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Harry Halpert, Chairman of MTC Logistics and CEO of Hoffberger Holdings added “As part of MTC’s nearly century-long commitment to the refrigerated and frozen warehousing and transportation industry, we have always sought opportunities to be a warm, responsive and dedicated partner to our customers. Our customers and associates will benefit from Lineage’s scale and industry-leading technology, and we are fortunate to find a strong partner who shares our values and customer-centric approach.”

G2 Capital Advisors LLC and Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP served as financial and legal advisors to MTC, respectively.

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 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)

About MTC Logistics

MTC Logistics was a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoffberger Holdings, Inc. (“HHI”) a diversified privately held investment company of the Hoffberger family of Baltimore, MD. MTC Logistics operates four distribution centers with more than 38 million cubic feet of refrigerated and frozen space, serving the ports of Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA, Wilmington, DE, and Mobile, AL.

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Lineage Logistics Recognized for Exemplary Energy Management Project

July 8th, 2019 GT Staff Leave a comment

Utilization of machine-learning technology for a process referred to as “flywheeling” has successfully supported energy management and waste reduction for Lineage Logistics. The global temperature-controlled logistics provider was recognized for these efforts by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Plants Program (Better Plants) this week, earning them a winning position for 2019 Better Practice Awards.

“This great honor from the DOE is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented team, and it is quite humbling to be recognized as a leader in energy conservation. Flywheeling is one of the many ways Lineage lives our purpose of transforming the food supply chain to eliminate waste and help feed the world,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lineage.

Invented by Lineage’s Principal Data Scientist, Dr. Alex Woolfe, “flywheeling” takes energy conservation to the next level by eliminating waste and proactively managing energy while reducing cost. These efforts are critical in Lineage’s operations as the company confirmed its North American power consumption alone is comparable to that of a mid-sized city.

Following the launch of the “flywheeling” project, Lineage and Dr. Woolfe received the official utility patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and will be recognized on July 10-11 at the Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit in Virginia.

“We are entrusted with ensuring that billions of pounds of food across the United States and the globe are kept at optimal temperatures throughout the supply chain, and we are obsessed with finding new ways to do this even more safely and efficiently than has ever been done before,” Said Michael J. McClendon President, Lineage Europe & EVP, Network Optimization.

“Better Plants partners such as Lineage are implementing innovative energy efficiency solutions in the industrial space that are cutting costs and energy-use and the Better Practice Awards honor their leadership,” said Valri Lightner, DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office Acting Director.

Source: Lineage Logistics

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Lineage Logistics Expands Global Footprint with Preferred Freezer Acquisition

May 11th, 2019 GT Staff Leave a comment

Global temperature-controlled logistics solutions provider,
Lineage Logistics, announced the formal closing of its acquisition of Preferred Freezer Services, LLC. This announcement comes less than three months after the acquisition was first confirmed back in February.

“With the integration of Preferred’s exceptional team and its network of state-of-the-art facilities, Lineage is the clear go-to logistics partner for both large and small food producers and retailers worldwide,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lineage. “Together, we look forward to delivering operational excellence and innovative, high-impact supply chain solutions for customers on a global scale.”

More than 1.3 billion cubic feet and 37 million square feet of capacity in 200 facilities across North America, Europe and Asia are dedicated to servicing customers with supply chain-focused needs. The combined company now represents the largest temperature-controlled facility network global network and boasts a total of 800,000 automated pallet positions across 17 facilities.

“Since founding Lineage in 2008, we have been focused on strategically growing the business to meet expanding customer needs,” added Kevin Marchetti, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Bay Grove, LLC (“Bay Grove”), the principal investment firm backing Lineage. “The close of this transaction unlocks an entirely new set of opportunities as we look to build upon our industry-leading position with additional capital deployment in technological advancements and new projects.”

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Lineage Logistics to Acquire Preferred Freezer Services

February 25th, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

Global leader in temperature-controlled logistics solutions, Lineage Logistics company, announced its latest acquisition of Preferred Freezer Services. The acquisition will support company efforts to raise the bar higher while expanding its company footprint and providing customers the highest level of technological advancements.

“We are thrilled to welcome Preferred into the Lineage family of companies,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lineage. “Bringing their first-class management team, deep industry experience and network of strategically located facilities into our organization will enable us to provide best-in-class service offerings for customers worldwide. Lineage is now better positioned than ever to meet the needs – and exceed the expectations – of food customers on a truly global scale.”

Currently projected upon finalization are over 1.3 billion cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity across over 200 facilities in addition to the 17 automated facilities with over 800,000 automated pallet positions.

“We have followed Preferred’s impressive growth and innovations under John’s leadership since launching Lineage and always knew that bringing these two companies together would reinforce our vision to be the most dynamic temperature-controlled company in the industry,” commented Kevin Marchetti, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Bay Grove, the principal investment firm backing Lineage. “This transaction will equip Lineage with the global reach and innovation capabilities that will fuel the next chapter of the Company’s growth and we are excited to have them on board.”

“I’d like to thank John and the entire Preferred team for their incredible partnership,” said Peter Lamm, Managing Director of Fenway Partners, Preferred’s equity partner and owner. “Preferred has built a tremendous platform under the management team’s leadership and, on behalf of Fenway Partners, I am proud to have supported its sustained growth over the past decade. We wish both organizations great success as a combined company.”

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Lineage Logistics Makes the Cut with Innovative Solutions

February 22nd, 2019 Haylle Sok Leave a comment

Lineage Logistics is proud to announce recognition from Fast Company as one of the 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2019. The company – known for its stellar role as a leading provider of temperature-controlled logistics solutions, accredits its strategic and intricate use of thermodynamics, mathematics, AI and robotics, statistics, oceanography and more to create some of their leading data-driven solutions.

“When it comes to issues like energy and food waste, we see an opportunity to apply Silicon Valley-style innovation to not only help preserve and protect the products with which our customers entrust us but also transform the world’s food supply chain,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and CEO of Lineage. “Our team is passionate about challenging the status quo and finding more efficient and sustainable ways to address the complexities unique to the temperature-controlled logistics industry. We are honored that such a prestigious publication as Fast Company would recognize us in this way.”

The Top 50 list aims to recognize companies that create significant impact on an industrial and cultural level through innovative and competitive strategies and solutions.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication and creativity of our entire team,” said Sudarsan Thattai, Lineage’s Chief Information Officer. “From our technologists and applied scientists, whose expertise in the space today is competitive with those at any Silicon Valley technology company, to our team members on the warehouse floor, we are an organization that is innovative, bold and deeply committed to our purpose of connecting people to food.”

Source: RAM Communications

Lineage Joins Global Initiative to Explore Sustainable Frozen Food Standards and Reduce Carbon Emissions

About Lineage Logistics

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