Jan 25, 2024 – RealCold, an operator and provider of cold chain services, is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of its new state-of-the-art cold facility. This marks the second groundbreaking this month for the company, having just celebrated its first in Auburndale, Florida, (in the Lakeland MSA, between Orlando and Tampa). The Lockhart facility groundbreaking took place January 24^th, 2024 and reflects RealCold’s accelerating path to expanding its national footprint.

The ceremony was held onsite in Lockhart, located on Silent Valley Rd., a half-mile north of Texas State Highway 130 Frontage Road. The event featured key speakers from RealCold, local government officials, and stakeholders in the logistics and cold storage sector.

The modern facility will encompass over 312,000 square feet, but sits on a significant parcel that allows for future expandability, totaling nearly 575,000 additional buildable square feet. The building offers a fully-convertible multi-room environment with temperatures ranging from -20°F to 55°F. Given RealCold’s recognition of the growing shift to online shopping, the company has designed the facility with e-commerce in mind by providing dedicated space for value added services like direct-to-consumer (DTC) fulfillment. Additionally, it features 50’ clear heights, significant office space, and over 36,000 pallet positions.

The facility will sit just off of State Highway 130, providing easy access to this major thoroughfare, which connects Austin (34 miles / 35 minutes) and San Antonio (65 miles / 60 minutes). The strategic location will also serve Houston and Dallas. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

RealCold CEO, Keith Goldsmith, noted, “Texas is a critical node in the RealCold network. Our footprint is shaped by a consumption-driven market approach, and the Austin/San Antonio areas represent some of the country’s fastest growing metros. This facility will ensure that local and regional consumer demand can be fulfilled.”

He adds, “The City of Lockhart, Caldwell County and the Greater San Marcos Partnership have been true partners in moving this project forward. We are appreciative of their cooperation, and we look forward to contributing to job growth and economic development here.”

Mike Kamerlander, CEO of the Greater San Marcos Partnership commented “RealCold’s decision to build in Lockhart proves the city’s location as a strong position from which to serve the Austin-San Antonio corridor. Being situated on SH 130 allows Lockhart to provide excellent access to markets and workforce ensuring long term success.”

Construction was made possible through RealCold’s sponsor, Related Fund Management (“RFM”).

For more information please contact James Chambers (james.chambers@realcold.com).

About RealCold
Established in 2022, RealCold was founded to address the unmet needs of the food cold chain sector. By combining high-growth strategic locations, state-of-the-art Class A facilities, and a diverse offering of value-added services, the company has positioned itself as a collaborative and integrated provider for food retailers, producers, and distributors. This mission is reinforced through its highly bespoke solutioning and customer-centric approach. The RealCold platform will ultimately operate a national, multi-channel network providing 1 or 2 day ground service for the majority of U.S. consumers. For more information on RealCold, please visit www.realcold.com.

About Related Fund Management
Founded in 2009, RFM has established itself over more than a decade as a real estate investment manager with approximately $12.0 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2023. RFM invests across all portions of the real estate capital stack and in all major sectors.