Maryland's Governor Wes Moore has announced an investment of $275 million by NewCold, a Dutch refrigerated food logistics provider, to establish a high-tech cold storage facility in Hagerstown, Maryland. This facility is set to create approximately 125 to 150 jobs, boosting the local economy. The strategic location near the Port of Baltimore and major transportation routes, including interstates 70 and 81, will enhance NewCold's ability to serve clients across the East Coast and beyond.
NewCold, which operates 25 automated storage warehouses globally, will implement advanced technologies in its new facility, allowing for efficient handling of refrigerated goods. The company emphasizes its commitment to the local community through recruitment and training initiatives, aimed at providing sustainable, skilled job opportunities.
The project receives additional support from a proposed $1 million conditional loan from the Maryland Department of Commerce's Advantage Maryland program as an economic development incentive.
In expert opinion, the establishment of high-tech logistics facilities like NewCold's is vital for enhancing the competitiveness of the U.S. supply chain, especially in the food sector. The integration of automation and smart technologies not only improves efficiency but also responds to increasing consumer demands for speed and reliability in food delivery. Hagerstown's advantageous location will likely attract more companies seeking efficient access to both markets and transportation networks, fostering further economic development in the region.