Americold – Savannah, GA

Primus provided design-build services for this 312,000 SF Greenfield cold storage distribution facility in Savannah, Georgia. Developed as Americold’s flagship poultry export facility, the project was strategically located near the Port of Savannah to support high-volume frozen poultry distribution and international exports.

The 51’ tall facility features four convertible freezer rooms operating from -10°F to 55°F, providing the flexibility to accommodate changing customer requirements and product profiles. At the heart of the operation is a QFR blast freezing system capable of processing up to two million pounds of poultry per day, enabling rapid freezing and high-throughput product handling.

To support Americold’s speed-to-market objectives, Primus developed an automated material handling solution that connects blast freezing, de-slatting, wrapping, and labeling operations through an integrated conveyor system. Product moves directly from the blast freezer to downstream processing areas, reducing forklift traffic, minimizing temperature loss, and improving operational efficiency. Automated wrapping and labeling further streamline outbound product flow.

Additional features include a USDA inspection laboratory, employee welfare areas, a two-story office, a Quell fire protection system, Fricks TCP refrigeration, and ALTA Expert refrigeration units. The ALTA system was selected in part for its water-efficient operation and reduced reliance on traditional refrigeration approaches.

The project achieved LEED Silver certification, becoming Americold’s first LEED-certified facility. Sustainable design measures reduced water consumption by approximately 45% through the use of air-cooled refrigeration technology and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

Delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic and despite weather-related disruptions, the facility earned both the CEBA Built by the Best Award and DBIA Southeast Best Industrial Project Award. Today, it continues to serve as a benchmark for high-throughput poultry export and temperature-controlled distribution operations.