Americold Unveils New $100 Million Facility in Kansas City to Revamp Food Logistics

On August 12, 2025, state and local leaders gathered to commemorate the grand opening of Americold’s cutting-edge Import-Export Hub in Kansas City, Missouri. This significant investment, exceeding $100 million, is set to transform the local logistics landscape and provide a much-needed boost to the job market. With a sprawling 335,000-square-foot facility, Americold is strategically positioned to leverage Missouri's advantages as a logistics hub.

Governor Mike Kehoe heralded the opening as a landmark development for the region, emphasizing Missouri's competitive edge in affordability and infrastructural access, which continue to attract investments. “We’re proud to see an industry leader like Americold choose our state,” Kehoe stated. “This project not only promises new jobs but revitalizes our economy in a fast-growing sector.”

A New Era for Food Logistics

Americold's facility is anticipated to create nearly 190 jobs, but the impact extends far beyond employment. The new hub will facilitate CPKC's Mexico Midwest Express (MMX), recognized as North America's first single-line rail service designed specifically for refrigerated goods traveling between the U.S. Midwest and Mexico. This integration marks a significant advancement in the food supply chain, optimizing the journey from producers to consumers.

George Chappelle, the CEO of Americold, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is more than just infrastructure—it’s a fully integrated solution that enhances efficiency in how food is transported.” Chappelle’s assertion underscores the company's commitment to redefining the cold chain logistics landscape through innovation and strategic collaboration with CPKC.

Keith Creel, the President and CEO of CPKC, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that this facility is just the beginning of an ambitious vision spanning North America. “By dovetailing Americold’s resources with our reputable rail network, we are crafting a new refrigerated supply chain that will serve customers shipping temperature-sensitive products seamlessly across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico,” Creel explained.

Community Commitment and Economic Growth

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas welcomed Americold into the fold, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in shaping industries and accelerating innovative practices. With direct access to CPKC's rail system and a robust local workforce, Lucas sees the hub as a catalyst for economic transformation in the region.

Supporting this endeavor are various organizations, including the Missouri Partnership, the city's Economic Development Corporation, and numerous local businesses and agencies. Tracey Lewis, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, pointed out that Americold's investment signifies more than just new jobs; it symbolizes opportunities fostering growth in a vibrant logistics sector. “This project strengthens our logistics infrastructure and creates pathways for local talent to thrive,” Lewis noted, highlighting the positive momentum generated within the city.

Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, conveyed her optimism about the potential opportunities Americold’s investment could unlock across the state.

Finally, Subash Alias, CEO of the Missouri Partnership, emphasized the industry's landscape, noting that Americold joins nearly 20,000 distribution and logistics companies benefitting from Missouri's strategic location, solid infrastructure, and competitive business environment. The collaboration illustrates the exciting trajectory that Missouri's economy is embarking upon as it embraces growth and innovation.

Contemplating the future, Missouri Partnership's ongoing efforts to attract investments align with this wave of development, as their work has fostered over 35,200 new jobs and attracted $8.3 billion in capital investments since 2008. Americold’s venture is expected to enhance this trend further, solidifying Kansas City as a pivotal gastronomic and logistical giant capable of meeting modern demands in food distribution and logistics.