Agile Cold Storage, a diversified storage and logistics solutions company serving North American food manufacturers, processors and growers, announced it will invest $45.9 million to construct a new 150,000 square-foot automated cold storage facility in St. Tammany Parish.
The company estimates the project will create 100 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of approximately $53,000. Louisiana Economic Development estimates that the project will result in 95 indirect new jobs, for a total of 195 potential new jobs in the Southeast Region of the state.
“This investment from Agile Cold Storage is a testament to the region’s competitive incentive offerings, strategic location and robust infrastructure,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “These operations will help bolster St. Tammany Parish’s position as a key player in the global logistics industry. Moreover, the new facility introduces highly sought-after cold storage to support the region’s growing food manufacturing industry.”
“Agile Cold Storage’s investment in St. Tammany Parish demonstrates the unique logistical advantages Louisiana has to offer businesses that keep America’s supply chains flowing smoothly,” said LED Secretary Susan Bonnett Bourgeois. “This project is a win for the North Shore, the state economy and the workers of Louisiana.”
Agile, which is based in Gainesville, Georgia, helps food producers prepare fresh food for transport by blast-freezing and packing it for shipment to its ultimate destination. Through automated, multi-temperature and conventional warehousing and logistics support, Agile offers customized cold storage solutions for a variety of clients across the country. Once operating, the company expects to transport approximately 100 containers of food shipments from its new Pearl River facility to the Port of New Orleans for export every week.
“From the bayous to the bustling cities, our new warehouse in Louisiana is not just bricks and steel; it's a testament to our growth and dedication to serving this incredible community with efficiency and pride,” said Don Schoenl, Agile Cold Storage president and CEO.
Following a land sale, the new cold storage facility will be built on 10 acres at the site of the 130-year-old historic St. Joe’s Brick Works, a family-owned brickmaking company. Construction is expected to start this month, with operations due to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
“Agile Cold Storage is exactly the type of business that we welcome in Pearl River – a growing distribution and logistics company with competitive, well-paying jobs,” said Pearl River Mayor Joe Lee. “Their decision to invest in our community and hire locally is a tremendous sign of progress for our town. This is truly a right-fit project for our local economy.”
To secure the project, the state of Louisiana offered Agile a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart. It also includes a Performance-Based Grant of $1.5 million to be used for reimbursement of company expenditures for site improvements, contingent upon board approval and meeting investment and payroll targets. The company is also expected to participate in Louisiana’s Quality Jobs program.
“The future home of Agile Cold Storage in Pearl River, near the nexus of Interstates 10, 12, and 59, is an ideal site for this project and further reinforces our message that St. Tammany is the best-positioned location in the Gulf South for significant logistics and distribution economic development projects,” said St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill. “Agile is a highly respected, quickly expanding company on a national scale, and they will be a strong member of our business community. We are pleased that the company’s leadership sees the value in our parish’s talented workforce and proactive business environment, and we look forward to continuing to support their expansion into St. Tammany.”
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