OAKLAND PARK, FL – International Cold Storage (ICS) will be moving into a new 2,600-pallet-position warehouse at the end of October. The move will allow ICS to meet its expanding operations base, which has grown by impressive margins over the recent past.
“ICS has been storing fresh produce for importers and growers since 2003, with a great emphasis on providing exceptional customer service. Now we’ll have an outstanding facility to go along with the outstanding customer service we have always provided,” shared company President and CEO, Joel Barthel. “Our business has grown dramatically, and with that, we need to be in a facility that will meet and exceed the increasing standards required to be a leader in our industry, whether those standards be in the area of food safety, efficiency or service. With this new building, ICS will be able to do just that.”
The new facility will have 12 receiving docks, 6 shipping docks, and a new inventory control system that will allow for real-time usage for customers. It will also give ICS the room it needs to grow in the future, something which Joel considers especially important in light of the expansions of the Panama Canal and the positive effect he expects it to have on the industry.
“As trade into this region increases, due to the expansion of the Panama Canal, we fully expect to see a surge in the need for first-class cold storage facilities,” he said.
According to a press release, during peak season, ICS plans to employ 40-60 workers, making it a valuable new member of the Oakland Park community.
Joel Barthel has 25 years of experience in the produce industry, holding a variety of positions in Accounting, IT, Logistics, and Produce Importation, before founding ICS in 2003. This experience gave him valuable insights into what it takes to have a successful and efficient logistics operation in the fresh produce industry.
“It all comes down to two things: efficient operations and exceptional customer service. You’ve got to do it better than everyone else does,” he said.
This experience formed the foundation for ICS and has facilitated the company's climb through the industry to the place of success it is currently enjoying.
Congratulations on the new facility, ICS!
