Kerala is set to get its largest single cold storage facility, with Westman Supply Chain Solutions Pvt. Ltd. announcing a major integrated cold chain project at Kizhakkambalam near Kochi.
Designed to strengthen food preservation, logistics and temperature-controlled warehousing, the facility is expected to emerge as an advanced cold chain hub.
The project is being developed by Westman Supply Chain Solutions, while the cold room and refrigeration infrastructure is being executed by RINAC India Ltd., a leading player in the country's cold chain and refrigeration sector.
The upcoming facility will have a storage capacity of 6,500 tonnes with pallet storage and reach truck operations. It will feature eight independent chambers capable of operating at temperatures ranging from +25°C to -25°C, allowing the storage of products including pharmaceuticals, dairy items, spices, pulses, marine products, fruits, vegetables, poultry products, and ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook foods.
In addition to storage infrastructure, the facility will include temperature-controlled processing areas, packing zones, blast freezers and clean-room facilities with hygiene stations. These are expected to support startups, food processors and entrepreneurs operating in the frozen food and value-added food sectors.
The project is expected to create around 100 direct jobs and contribute to strengthening India's food security and cold chain logistics network.
Westman Supply Chain Solutions also announced plans to expand its cold chain network across India, with six more facilities in the pipeline. Among them is a proposed project near Vizhinjam Port, aimed at supporting export-import cold chain logistics.
Steve Mayne, founder and chief executive officer of West Ireland Investments, said the company's objective is to build an integrated cold chain infrastructure platform capable of meeting India's growing requirements for food preservation and temperature-controlled logistics.
Akhil Baiju, director of Westman Supply Chain Solutions, said the project is envisioned as a complete cold chain ecosystem serving businesses, startups, exporters and food processing companies, while helping reduce wastage and improve supply chain efficiency.
P Sukumaran, executive director of RINAC India Ltd., said Kerala's strengths in marine products, spices, fruits, vegetables and export-oriented businesses create substantial opportunities for growth in cold storage and food processing infrastructure.
