Americold Launches 140-Foot-Tall Cutting-Edge Automated Facility

This project features an impressive 140-foot-tall structure outfitted with state-of-the-art automation technology.

The impressive design-build addition at Americold's Russellville facility features an impressive 140-foot-tall structure outfitted with state-of-the-art automation technology. With a size of 136,000 square feet, it includes an ammonia refrigeration system, insulated metal panel (IMP) exterior walls, and an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) with gantry and monorail integration for seamless warehouse-to-loading-dock operations. The accompanying photo represents a typical finished ASRS facility, offering a glimpse into the potential of this advanced solution.

Americold Realty Trust, a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics and real estate, held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday (March 26) for its latest expansion of its Russellville facility in Arkansas.

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Atlanta-based Americold has invested $90 million and created 30 new jobs to expand its River Valley operations, which was first announced in June 2021.

“We’re excited to expand our presence in Arkansas,” said Americold CEO George Chappelle. “This facility was built with state-of-the-art automation to support production and the supply chain for one of North America’s leading branded food companies. We continue to innovate to provide best-in-class service for our customers as we help them feed the world.”

As part of the expansion, Americold constructed the new highly automated 131,000-square-foot cold storage and distribution facility at its existing Russellville location, adding 42,000 pallet positions and 13 million cubic feet to the facility.

“It was an honor to join the Americold team to open their newest expansion in Russellville. Low taxes, a friendly business environment, and my administration’s focus on education and workforce give Arkansas a competitive edge. I’m glad companies like Americold see our advantage and are doubling down on the Natural State,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders.

“Americold is a leader in the temperature-controlled warehousing sector, and we welcome the company’s growth in Arkansas,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “This ribbon cutting represents the company’s ongoing investment in Arkansas and highlights our state’s strength in the food and beverage industries, as well as our geographic importance in the distribution and logistics of the cold storage supply chain.

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As part of Americold’s commitment to give back to the local communities it serves, Americold and Feed the Children announced their support for more than 300 Russellville families. Each participating family will receive a 25-pound box of food and a 15-pound box of personal-care essential items, immediately following the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Americold operates 245 facilities across the globe with 11 facilities in Arkansas.

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