Refrigerated freight network operator Big Chill Distribution has selected Ruakura Superhub as the location for its new 13,000m² cold-store facility.

Big Chill is the first mover for the 35ha industrial precinct in the overall 92ha stage 1 of Ruakura Superhub. Previously announced tenancies at Ruakura have been in the logistics hub and service centre areas. More large distribution facility announcements are expected over the coming months.

“Ruakura Superhub is an ideal location for a distribution operation like Big Chill and we are excited to welcome the company as our first mover large-scale industrial tenant,” said Tainui Group Holdings chair and Te Arataura representative, Hinerangi Raumati-Tu’ua.

“This announcement continues the excellent momentum of the Superhub’s development, which is creating a high level of excitement and anticipation as we head towards an official opening later this year,” she said.

Chris Joblin, chief executive of TGH, said Big Chill will add its cold supply chain speciality to the range of specialty logistics providers and distributors that will cluster around Ruakura Inland Port.

“This tenancy with one of the country’s leading third-party logistics providers is a key agreement for Ruakura Superhub. It is a very strong endorsement of Ruakura and effectively anchors stage one’s industrial zone with a nationally recognised brand in a high-profile location. Importantly, it will increase cold supply chain resilience and optionality for the central North Island,” he said.

The two parties have signed a long-term lease with rights of renewal. Around 50 people will be directly employed at the new Big Chill facility.

Big Chill chief executive, Michael Roberts, said the new facility in the Waikato will strengthen the company’s network and take its nationwide roster of depots to an even 10.

“Our new Waikato facility will play an important role in the network, anchoring one corner of the golden triangle and acting as a pivot point for distribution to and from the west coast, central North Island and east coast,” he said.

“We also want to set a new benchmark for the environmental performance of this new facility – achieving at least a four-star green building rating, which we understand has not been achieved in a New Zealand cold store before.”