Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with United States Cold Storage (USCS) officials announced the company will expand its current operations in Tennessee by adding a new distribution and warehouse facility in Covington next to Unilever. The public refrigerated warehouse logistics provider will invest $48 million and create 63 new jobs in Tipton County.
“United States Cold Storage’s expansion in Covington highlights our continuing efforts to work with and promote in-state industries’ success in Tennessee,” Hagerty said. “I am extremely pleased they are growing as a result of another incumbent business, Unilever. Once Unilever finishes its current expansion plans, it will be the largest ice cream manufacturing facility in the world, furthered by the increased logistical capabilities of United States Cold Storage and Tennessee’s unbeatable central location. I appreciate the new jobs United States Cold Storage is creating in Tipton County and look forward to their ongoing success in our state.”
“United States Cold Storage and Unilever work together across the country, and we are all very excited to expand our growing relationship at a USCS facility that embraces automation by maximizing on efficiencies of being plant attached to this very significant Unilever ice cream production facility,” George Cruz, United States Cold Storage vice president and area manager, said. “We know that working together with the community that this project will be successful.”
With locations already in Smyrna and La Vergne, Tennessee, the new location in Covington will serve as the third party logistics provider for Unilever due to their recent expansion. The project will involve the construction of an estimated 315,000 square foot cold storage warehouse and distribution facility and the purchase of new equipment and machinery.
The new facility will be constructed on 23 acres of land in Rialto Industrial Park adjacent to Unilever. The two facilities will be connected by a freezer conveyor in order to move the finished ice cream product to the cold storage facility, which will be stored at minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Another great project to benefit the citizens of Covington with new jobs and capital investment is being brought to our community,” Covington Mayor David Gordon said. “United States Cold Storage is another example of why Covington’s proactive approach to the recruitment of new industry continues to yield great results for our community.”
“TVA and Covington Electric System congratulate United States Cold Storage on its latest Tennessee expansion to locate a facility adjacent to Unilever and create new jobs in Covington,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “We are pleased to be partners with the state of Tennessee, city of Covington, Tipton County and HTL Advantage to facilitate business growth.”
USCS has been providing refrigerated storage services to the food services industry since 1889. The company is a leading national public refrigerated warehouse operator with 35 facilities located in 12 states and employs over 2,100 service professionals. USCS is an integral part of the global food distribution and supply chain with more than 35 percent of all goods it handles destined for international use or consumption.
Primus Builders is constructing the new facility to LEED Silver certification standards. Some of the features include low-flow fixtures to reduce Tennessee water consumption, various technology solutions that will reduce energy consumption by over 30 percent and installing reflective roofing to reduce heat in the building. Since the project began, Primus has created 44 construction jobs on site for Tennessee workers.
The Covington facility will be operational in December 2014. People interested in applying for jobs can fill out an application online at www.uscoldstorage.com.
About United States Cold Storage
United States Cold Storage, Inc. (USCS), Voorhees, New Jersey, is a premier provider of public refrigerated warehousing (PRW) and related logistics services throughout North America. With roots dating back to 1891, USCS has long served a diverse customer base with requirements ranging from primary storage to fully integrated third-party logistics.
The company offers 194 million cubic feet of temperature-controlled warehouse and distribution space in 34 facilities located in 12 states including California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia.
USCS is the third largest PRW Logistics provider in North America. Visit www.uscold.com for more information.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named “2013 State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tn.gov/ecd. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.