Transport, storage and distribution operator Refrigafreighters is set to open its first Waikato depot at the Ruakura Superhub.

Tainui Group Holdings chair, Hinerangi Raumati-Tu’ua, acknowledged the significance of the Superhub’s first tenant announcement for 2024.

“It’s great to kickstart the new year with this announcement which is an indication of continuing momentum after two years of particularly strong growth at the Superhub,” said Hierangi Raumati-Tu’ua. “It further confirms the progress of our strategy to support regional economic growth in order to enable the success and development of our iwi today and for the generations to come.”

RFF’s chief executive, Michael Roberts, said expected economic growth in the golden triangle region was the driver for its sixth depot nationwide, and first in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.

“The dynamic of Auckland, Tauranga, and Hamilton as an economic growth engine for New Zealand pointed towards Ruakura as the best location for Refrigafreighters’ next depot,”  he said.

RFF operates more than 190 chiller/freezer trucks and trailers, operating 24/7 nationwide.

The 1000m² facility to be developed by TGH includes fridge and freezer space and accompanying office space. The building is specified to a Greenstar 4 rating. Facility design build is underway with main contractor Calder Stewart Construction targeting completion and readiness to operate in the last quarter of 2024.

The facility includes four truck docks and extra parking on a 5000m² lot, providing plenty of growing room for its starting fleet of seven new delivery trucks. All trucks based here will serve the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, with further operational support from the existing RFF network.

“With MBIE forecasting that 700,000 more people will live in the golden triangle within 20 years, our region will need extra capacity in the food supply chain,” said TGH chief executive, Chris Joblin.

“Refrigafreighters adds to the supply chain options for our local businesses and will help serve the everyday needs of a fast growing population.”

Joblin said he is pleased to add another major transport sector business to the cluster of temperature-controlled facilities at Ruakura.

“Refrigafreighters is a welcome addition to the range of specialty logistics providers and distributors already located at Ruakura,” he said.

The Superhub’s central location and proximity to the Waikato Expressway and Ruakura Inland Port will support the operational efficiency and growth of RFF – which has established a speciality in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and time-critical freight deliveries.

“We see having a freight hub in the Waikato region as a necessity,” Roberts said.

“Many of our key customers already have a strong production and delivery presence in the region, and we anticipate an even greater increase in demand for food, and food processing, primarily in the golden triangle.

“Our investment in growth at Ruakura will solidify our network across the North Island and enable the delivery of high-quality service to our customers.”