Just thirty miles outside of Kansas City, in New Century, Kansas, is where CJ Logistics America, a cutting-edge supply chain and technology firm, announced today that it will be opening a new cold storage facility. The project, which is expected to open in Q3 2025, is a joint venture between national cold storage developer Yukon Real Estate Partners and global leader in cold storage real estate BGO. It features a 291,000 square foot warehouse that is rail-served and equipped with Alta EXPERT refrigeration.

Upfield is building an above-ground conveyor bridge to connect its New Century production plant to the new warehouse, which will enable finished goods to be delivered straight to the warehouse. At its New Century manufacturing facility, Upfield, a leader in the global plant-based food industry, makes well-known brands like Imperial®, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter®, and Country Crock®.

Currently, the warehouse has 100,000 square feet available for usage by other clients in need of space.

Less than four miles from Interstate 35 and eleven miles from the recently constructed BNSF Railway transcontinental line intermodal complex, the New Century cold storage facility is in an excellent location. The project is positioned to benefit from the Midwest's best-in-class accessibility. Customers will gain significant savings on their entire logistics expenses, including drayage and demurrage, fewer emissions into the environment, and more efficient domestic and international shipping, with a direct rail spur into the warehouse. Around 85% of the United States is reachable in two days, making the greater Kansas City area a good choice for transportation, whether by roadway, train, or air.

The CEO of CJ Logistics America, Kevin Coleman, stated, "The opening of this new facility continues the momentum from our announcement earlier this year of our new cold storage warehouse in Gainesville, Georgia." "We anticipate a large growth in the frozen and chilled food sector in the upcoming years. Our capabilities and reach are increased by these two new buildings, which establish CJ Logistics as a leading supply chain and logistics partner. We are thrilled to be forming a long-term alliance with a reputable company like Upfield, and we appreciate the help that BGO and Yukon Real Estate have provided us with along the way.

Byron Alvarez, director of supply chain for Upfield's North America, said, "We are excited about this project because it fits squarely with Upfield's sustainability focus and sets us up for future growth efficiency, allowing us to streamline our U.S. supply chain as we build around our New Century factory."

"Upfield employees are enthusiastic about the company's ongoing investment and the potential as a growth engine in the Johnson County Airport Commission industrial park," said Ronnie Gomes, director of Upfield New Century Factory. In addition to lowering our carbon footprint from truck travel, the forward-thinking strategy opens up new options and opportunities that benefit all stakeholders and are crucial in gaining community support for the project. We are excited about our collaboration with CJ Logistics and our ongoing financial support of New Century and the broader Kansas City region.

Marty Khait, Managing Principal of Yukon Real Estate Partners, said, "Yukon is thrilled to partner with CJ Logistics to provide Upfield a competitive logistics and transportation solution for their New Century plant." "CJ has showcased a customer-centric approach that has proven invaluable in designing the project."

"With an active railway located between the two buildings, this project required an inventive technique to connect them. We are glad that we were able to overcome this obstacle by building an above-ground, over-rail conveyor bridge. Axel Anderson, Director of Development for Yukon Real Estate Partners, continued, "The physical integration and connection of the new warehouse with Upfield's current production facility exemplify the parties' long-term dedication to maximizing the efficiency and sustainability of the factory's operations."