Cold Storage Logistics Campus Breaks Ground in Alaska
Alaska Cargo & Cold Storage has started phase one of a new cold chain logistics campus at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The project highlights a growing demand for large-scale infrastructure and logistics facilities, which require professionals with strong organizational and communication skills.
- The full Alaska Cargo & Cold Storage (ACCS) campus is planned to eventually cover over 700,000 square feet, with the first phase encompassing approximately 100,000 square feet of temperature-controlled and dry cargo storage. This multi-phase approach allows for development to align with the long-term growth in air cargo at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). - This project is situated at a key global logistics point; ANC is the world's fourth-busiest cargo airport, located within 9.5 hours of 90% of key markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. The facility is being built on a 29-acre site within a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), which provides cost and operational efficiencies that are not available at other major hubs. - The global cold storage construction market was valued at $9.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $26.2 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.6%. This growth is driven by increased demand for perishable goods, a focus on food safety, and the expansion of e-commerce and online grocery services. - For business students targeting construction management, a business degree provides a strong foundation in transferable skills like organizational leadership, budgeting, and strategic planning. Entry-level positions to target include roles such as Project Coordinator, Field Engineer, or Assistant Project Manager, which can provide a path into the industry without a specific construction management degree. - Major companies specializing in cold storage construction include Industrial Building Group, RLCold, and Primus Builders. These firms often offer design-build services, covering all phases from initial design to project completion, and are increasingly focused on incorporating sustainable design and automation. - In interviews for construction management roles without direct experience, it's crucial to highlight transferable skills from your business background. Prepare to discuss how your knowledge of finance, project management methodologies, and communication can be applied to construction projects. Research the company's recent projects and be prepared to explain how your skills align with their work. - For those interested in the sales and business development side of the industrial construction sector, entry-level roles often include titles like Business Development Representative (BDR) or Inside Sales Representative. These positions focus on generating new business opportunities and building a foundation in client communication and negotiation within a business-to-business (B2B) context. - The development of the ACCS facility is a joint venture between Rocky Mountain Resources and McKinley Capital Management, LLC, and has secured a 55-year ground lease with the State of Alaska. The project was also awarded a $21 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help complete the first phase.
