News Summary
Georgia state officials have signed a $60 million deal with PermaCold Logistics to build a large cold storage facility in Darien. The project, covering 216,000 square feet, will handle protein exports and imports, focusing on frozen seafood. Set to open in 2026, the facility will create around 50 jobs and is designed to enhance Georgia’s logistics capabilities for refrigerated goods, strengthening the local economy and supporting food exports.
Darien, Georgia – Georgia state officials have inked a significant $60 million agreement with PermaCold Logistics to construct a state-of-the-art cold storage facility. This new facility will be strategically located along Interstate 95, enhancing Georgia’s position as a vital regional port gateway for refrigerated goods.
The groundbreaking ceremony for this ambitious project took place on July 10, 2025, at the Tidewaters Industrial Complex in Darien. Upon completion, the facility will measure an impressive 216,000 square feet and is designed to hold approximately 30,000 pallets of inventory. Situated in McIntosh County, the facility is roughly 20 miles from the Port of Brunswick and 60 miles south of Savannah, extending the logistical capabilities of the region.
This USDA-certified facility will primarily focus on the handling of protein exports and imports, with a particular focus on frozen seafood. The project is not only expected to bolster the state’s cold storage infrastructure but also enhance the port’s capacity to manage refrigerated commodities more efficiently. Notably, the Port of Savannah currently processes around 40% of all frozen poultry exports in the United States, establishing it as the nation’s busiest poultry export gateway.
The agreement with PermaCold Logistics marks a transformative economic victory for McIntosh County, as it is regarded as the largest economic development win in the area’s history. The construction of the facility, which will be managed by specialists Ti Cold and Karis Cold, is projected to create about 50 new jobs upon its anticipated opening in 2026. The employment opportunities and enhanced logistic services are expected to significantly impact the local economy.
In addition to its massive capacity, the facility will offer advanced QFM technology that allows for freezing goods up to 80% faster than traditional methods. Services will include maintaining a temperature range from -10°F to +40°F, inventory management, domestic transportation, and value-added services such as USDA inspections. Rounding out its capabilities, the facility will feature 20 truck parking spaces, 16 truck bays, a 70-foot-deep loading dock, and a 50-foot clearance inside the building to accommodate large shipping requirements.
Officials in Georgia have emphasized the strategic importance of cold storage to the state’s logistics and supply chain infrastructure. The establishment of the PermaCold facility is viewed as a vital step towards strengthening the economic foundation of rural Georgia. Local leaders have acknowledged the area’s assets, strategic location, and business-friendly environment as key factors in attracting this investment.
This cold storage facility is expected to play a critical role in the future of food exports from Georgia, supporting both domestic and international markets. As logistics and supply chains evolve, the need for efficient cold storage capabilities has become increasingly important. With the completion of this significant development, Georgia aims to solidify its status as a crucial player in the global refrigerated goods market. The project reflects a growing trend towards enhanced infrastructure that meets the demands of a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Transport Topics
- Wikipedia: Cold Storage
- AJOT
- Google Search: Cold Storage Georgia
- WFMZ
- Google Scholar: Logistics Georgia
- Food Manufacturing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cold Storage
- Commercial Observer
- Google News: PermaCold Logistics
- Business Wire
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
