Global supply chain solutions leader AIT Worldwide Logistics has acquired WorldFresh Express, a Los Angeles-based freight forwarder specializing in perishable food products. The transaction was completed October 17.
AIT has been an innovator in cold chain and food logistics for more than two decades with operations anchored by a dedicated Chicago-based facility and staff. The acquisition of WorldFresh expands AIT’s robust cold chain capabilities by adding specialized operational knowledge as well as a world-class 13,800-square-foot temperature-controlled facility on the US West Coast with distinct zones to hold frozen, refrigerated and fresh foods.
WorldFresh founder Doug Kinney has become station manager with the completion of the acquisition. He continues to lead the team of subject matter experts from WorldFresh as they integrate with AIT and leverage their operational knowledge of cold chain commodities such as fresh produce and proteins.
“We are incredibly delighted to welcome Doug and the entire WorldFresh group as our newest AIT teammates,” said Vaughn Moore, president and CEO of AIT Worldwide Logistics. “Their specialized knowledge and location on the West Coast are an excellent enhancement to our well-established cold chain expertise. This acquisition propels AIT’s cold chain operations to a new level of world-class service.
“AIT will continue evaluating other cold chain forwarders around the world for potential acquisition,” said Moore. “Firms that handle distinct commodities with diverse service portfolios are the best fit for our cold chain business model. We are also pursuing firms with a broader logistics scope to support the company’s long-term strategic growth plan.”
Keith Tholan, AIT’s chief operations officer said, “The strategic acquisition of WorldFresh Express instantly gives a boost to AIT’s existing cold chain infrastructure and intellectual capital. Customers who rely on our know-how for temperature-controlled storage, packaging, fulfillment and delivery will benefit from a wider range of options and more efficient solutions as a result of this addition to our organization. AIT has been delivering unique cold chain solutions for 22 years, and we are glad to be diversifying our products with the WorldFresh team’s expertise in produce and proteins.”
AIT’s newly acquired cold chain facility is situated less than half a mile from Interstate 105, Interstate 405 and Los Angeles International Airport. The address is AIT-Los Angeles Cold Chain, 5343 W Imperial Hwy, Suite 700, Los Angeles CA 90045. Phone numbers are +1-888-788-8088 toll-free and +1-310-417-0646.
Terms of AIT Worldwide Logistics’ deal to acquire WorldFresh Express have not been disclosed.
For more information, visit www.aitworldwide.com.
