Americold, Ahold Delhaize partner to build 2 automated cold chain warehouses

Ahold Delhaize will partner with cold storage provider Americold to build two fully-automated frozen warehouses, according to a press release. The facilities will expand the grocer's cold storage space by 500,000 square feet and are part of the retailer’s previously announced supply chain transformation plan to grow Ahold Delhaize's distribution center network from 16 facilities to 23 by 2023. Automation features in the warehouses will include integrated transportation management systems (TMS), end-to-end forecasting and inventory replenishment technology, the press release said. Late last year, Ahold Delhaize announced plans to invest $480 million on new facilities and renewed warehouse leases in order to transition to a self-distribution supply model that will improve margins and reduce the company's reliance on third-party distributors. The two automated cold-storage facilities, which were previously announced but not outlined in detail, will collectively provide 59,000 pallet positions to Ahold Delhaize's retail stores.