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SUFFOLK – Virginia — Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Thursday, March 14, that FreezPak Logistics, LLC, a leading provider of full-service cold and dry storage services, is investing $77.5 million to construct a 245,000-square-foot cold storage facility in the City of Suffolk to serve the mid-Atlantic region via The Port of Virginia. Virginia competed with Georgia and North Carolina for this project, which will create 80 new jobs.

“FreezPak’s decision to locate in the City of Suffolk demonstrates that Virginia is a supply chain destination, and its new facility will allow it to serve the entire mid-Atlantic region,” Gov. Youngkin said. “All of FreezPak’s products will go through The Port of Virginia, a logistical advantage that will increase efficiency and increase its direct access to markets. This is a win for FreezPak, The Port of Virginia, and the Commonwealth.”

“FreezPak’s decision to locate in the Commonwealth is a recognition of Virginia’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and the immediate access The Port of Virginia provides the company to reach its core customers,” remarked Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “We look forward to FreezPak’s growth and success in the City of Suffolk.”

Dave Saoud, co-founder and CEO of FreezPak Logistics, expressed appreciation for Gov. Youngkin and his office’s support in securing incentives, a crucial factor in launching their project successfully. Saoud emphasized Gov. Youngkin’s instrumental role in their decision to choose the state of Virginia and The Port of Virginia, highlighting their continued expansion as a 100% family-owned business.

Suffolk Mayor Michael Duman announced, “I am pleased to announce that FreezPak has chosen to locate and invest in the City of Suffolk. This cold storage facility will be located in the Northgate Commerce Park, aligning with our significant food and beverage manufacturing sector, contributing to our goal of economic diversification and continuing economic prosperity.”

Doug Smith, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance, expressed excitement about working alongside partners at the City of Suffolk and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to secure the project for Hampton Roads. He noted the positive impact FreezPak Logistics will have on both the food and beverage processing and distribution clusters.

Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, welcomed FreezPak as a national player with a long track record of success in the cold storage arena, emphasizing the importance of developing cold storage capacity to expand The Port of Virginia’s business.

Sen. Emily Jordan expressed elation at welcoming FreezPak Logistics to the City of Suffolk, highlighting the significant investment and job creation in the community.

“I am elated to welcome FreezPak Logistics to the City of Suffolk,” Jordan said. “Their substantial investment of $77.5 million and the creation of 80 new jobs in our community highlights the opportunity our region has to offer.”

Established in 2001 as a family business, FreezPak Logistics offers frozen, cooler, and dry storage combined with industry-leading third-party logistics services to ensure the availability of the nation’s food supply. The company is dedicated to offering customers an end-to-end solution spanning every major port-centric market in the country.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership collaborated with the City of Suffolk and the Hampton Roads Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Gov. Youngkin approved a $175,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Suffolk with the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits for new, full-time jobs created and funding and services to support employee training activities through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.