Jun. 11—VALDOSTA — On Tuesday, Valdosta celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 200,000-square-foot cold storage facility by P&B Cold Storage. The event, held at the Westside Industrial Park, marked the beginning of a development that is set to boost the local economy by creating 100 new jobs and contributing over $30 million in capital investments.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority (VLCDA) announced the construction of this state-of-the-art facility in May. Local officials and community members gathered to witness the groundbreaking ceremony, signifying a bright future for Valdosta’s industrial landscape.

P&B Cold Storage, a North American Cold Storage subsidiary, has rapidly grown since its founding by Scott Parker and Michael Betten in 2013. Their first warehouse, launched in Woodburn, Indiana, in 2019, set the foundation for their expansion. The Valdosta facility represents a crucial step in its growth strategy, aiming to meet increasing demand in the cold storage sector.

Parker and Betten expressed their excitement about the new venture. “This is a nice area. The logistics are good,” Betten stated.

Parker summarized their road to Valdosta: “We started talking to Valdosta’s economic development team, and they had the perfect piece of land and the perfect package for us.”

The new cold storage facility will be equipped with advanced refrigeration technology, ensuring optimal storage conditions. P&B Cold Storage announced that it will mainly work with a currently undisclosed national ice cream company.

As construction begins, the community looks forward to the economic benefits and employment opportunities the facility will bring. The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with local leaders expressing their optimism for the future and commitment to supporting the project’s success.

Before breaking off for pictures, Mayor Scott James Matheson discussed the importance of P&B Cold Storage coming to Valdosta and the city’s bright future.

“You know from all the announcements that we’re on a roll here,” Matheson said.

With the establishment of P&B Cold Storage, Valdosta is not just witnessing economic growth, but also solidifying its strategic position in the region’s industrial landscape, making it a prime destination for industrial development, officials said.