Preferred Freezer Services to build $60 million warehouse in Virginia

Temperature-controlled warehouse operator Preferred Freezer Services will build a $60 million cold storage warehouse in Virginia to import, export, process, and distribute a variety of food products, according to a statement today from theVirginia Economic Development Partnership.

Chatham, N.J.-based Preferred Freezer Services will build the 200,000-square-foot facility in Portsmouth, Va., saying the project would create 60 new jobs.

"Preferred Freezer Services' new operation in the City of Portsmouth will harness the region's valuable assets, including unparalleled access to global markets through the Port of Virginia and the world-class workforce in Hampton Roads," Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said in a release. "The company's significant investment and major footprint expansion further reinforces the strength of the area's logistics infrastructure, supply chain industry, and dedicated talent pipeline."

The move comes just two months after Preferred Freezer Services was acquired by the logistics and cold storage firm Lineage Logistics LLC for an undisclosed amount.

"The Port of Virginia is investing to expand overall capacity and aggressively going after more refrigerated cargo business," John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, said in a release. "Today's announcement by Preferred Freezer Services will support our effort, create jobs and help drive the Commonwealth's economy. Preferred Freezer has been a long-time partner and supporter of the port, and we welcome the company's decision to develop its newest facility in Portsmouth."

.@PFS_Logistics, 1 of the world's largest public refrigerated warehousing cos., will invest $60MM to construct new facility & create 65 jobs in @cityofPortsVA. Proximity to @PortofVirginia was a key driver of PFS's decision. @HamptonRoadsEDA @AccessPortsVA https://t.co/xKWvqKhJ2x

— VEDP (@VEDPVirginia) April 5, 2019