News Summary
WCS Logistics announces a $27 million expansion in Frederick County, Virginia, to build an 83,000-square-foot cold storage facility, expected to create 15 jobs. The new facility will enhance the company’s ability to store perishable goods with over 13,000 pallets of capacity and will utilize advanced energy-efficient technologies. Governor Glenn Youngkin highlights this growth as a significant contribution to the local economy and logistics industry. The facility is strategically located near major highways for improved access to urban markets.
Virginia is set to see a significant boost in its cold storage capabilities as WCS Logistics announces a $27 million expansion in Frederick County, expected to create 15 new jobs. This announcement was made by Governor Glenn Youngkin on February 20, 2024.
The expansion entails the construction of an 83,000-square-foot cold storage facility that will significantly increase the company’s capacity to store perishable goods. The new building will have space for over 13,000 pallets, with 68,750 square feet dedicated to freezer storage and an additional 8,750 square feet allocated for a cold dock.
The facility will boast 12 dock positions and will be constructed using insulated metal panels to enhance energy efficiency. A CO2 cascade refrigeration system will also be incorporated into the design to support the unique needs of cold storage.
WCS Logistics anticipates that this expansion will increase the demand for cold storage services, which has grown significantly in recent years. The facility is projected to create new roles including warehouse supervisors, forklift operators, and customer service representatives.
The strategic location of the new facility is positioned adjacent to an existing WCS Logistics facility at 188 Brooke Road, just north of Winchester. The chosen site is already zoned for Light Industrial (M1) use and has received necessary administrative approvals from Frederick County planning officials.
Background and Company History
WCS Logistics, founded in 1917, initially served the Winchester-area apple industry and has evolved into a significant player in the cold storage and logistics sector over the past century. The company now owns and operates approximately 1 million square feet across four facilities, which includes two locations in Winchester, as well as facilities in Front Royal and Charles Town, West Virginia.
The latest cold storage facility constructed by WCS Logistics opened in Frederick County in 2019 and comprised 62,500 square feet. With construction of the new facility expected to be completed by early 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 2024, marking an important milestone in the company’s expansion initiative.
Impact on Local Economy
Governor Youngkin regards WCS Logistics as a “true Virginia success story,” emphasizing its role in the growing logistics industry within the state. Frederick County Board of Supervisors Chairman Josh Ludwig also expressed recognition of the company’s ongoing investment in the region, indicating that the new facility has potential implications for local food industries and economic growth.
The convenient location of WCS Logistics near major transportation routes, including Interstate 81 and Interstate 66, provides advantageous access to markets in major cities such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and New York City. This strategic positioning enhances the company’s logistics operations and overall service efficiency.
Conclusion
As WCS Logistics continues to grow its footprint in Virginia, the upcoming facility expansion signifies both the increasing demand for cold storage services and the company’s commitment to supporting the local economy through job creation and infrastructure development.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Virginia Business: Logistics Company Expanding in Winchester
- Winchester Star: WCS Logistics Adding Another Cold Storage Facility
- Transport Topics: WCS Logistics Virginia
- Wikipedia: Cold Storage
- Winchester Star: New Facility Quadruples WCS Logistics Freezer Space
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Logistics
- Winchester Star: Innovation Thrives Here
- Google News: WCS Logistics
