Vertical Cold Storage Expands Network with Strategic Acquisition of Dothan Warehouse Facility

A Strategic Acquisition in Dothan, Alabama

Vertical Cold Storage, backed by real estate investment firm Platform Ventures, has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the Dothan facility, which focuses on frozen poultry for export markets. The facility's strategic location, close to several major interstate highways, allows for less-than-one-day delivery to key ports including Jacksonville, FL; Mobile, AL; New Orleans, LA; Panama City, FL; and Savannah, GA. The acquisition, expected to close in August 2024, will see Vertical Cold Storage taking over a facility that boasts over 109,000 square feet of USDA-certified storage space, equipped with 10 dock doors.

West Hutchison, President and CEO of Vertical Cold Storage, highlighted the importance of this acquisition, stating, "This latest acquisition shows our commitment to the protein industry and to building a nationwide network of high-performance frozen and refrigerated warehouses. We look forward to supporting the many great processors and retailers in the region and to welcoming the Dothan team members on board."

Facility Features and Capabilities

The Dothan facility, which opened in April 2019 and expanded in January 2023, is designed to accommodate a wide range of frozen foods. Its features include high-capacity blast freezing, export services, case picking, cross-docking, and kitting capabilities. These services are essential for businesses looking to maintain the quality and safety of their perishable goods during storage and transit.

Turner Jones, President of Dothan Warehouse, expressed confidence in Vertical Cold Storage's ability to uphold the facility's standards. "We’re confident that Vertical Cold Storage will carry forward the success of our frozen distribution center. We trust West and his team to take great care of our customers and employees, just like we’ve always done. This move means our facility will keep growing and improving, and that’s really important to us."

Vertical Cold Storage’s Technological Advancements

In line with its growth strategy, Vertical Cold Storage plans to implement its customized warehouse management technology at the Dothan facility. This technology aims to enhance product throughput and ensure the highest levels of food and worker safety. The integration of these new best practices is expected to further elevate the facility's operational efficiency and customer service.

Benefits of the Acquisition for Both Companies

This acquisition allows Dothan Warehouse to focus on its ambient and refrigerated storage capabilities while ensuring that their frozen storage customers continue to receive top-tier service. The partnership between Vertical Cold Storage and Dothan Warehouse is poised to bring more customers to the Dothan, Alabama region, thanks to the facility’s strategic location and cost-effective access to international shipping routes.

For Vertical Cold Storage, this acquisition not only expands its national network but also provides its customers with access to a well-positioned facility that offers timely and efficient delivery to major southern cities. Dothan Warehouse customers, in turn, will benefit from Vertical Cold Storage's expertise in frozen storage solutions.

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Future

As Vertical Cold Storage takes over the Dothan facility, both companies anticipate growth and expanded service offerings. Vertical Cold Storage customers will have access to Dothan Warehouse’s refrigerated and ambient storage facilities, ensuring a comprehensive range of temperature-controlled storage solutions.

This acquisition is a significant step for both Vertical Cold Storage and Dothan Warehouse, promising to deliver enhanced services and operational efficiencies to their customers.

For more information on how Dothan Warehouse can support your fulfillment and temperature-controlled storage needs, visit Dothan Warehouse. To learn more about Vertical Cold Storage and its network of facilities, visit Vertical Cold Storage.