Atlanta-based AGRO Merchants completed a sub-lease on a 121,000-square-foot temperature-controlled facility in Charleston, S.C., to provide state-of-the-art storage, handling and other value-added services to its import and export customers.

Constructed in 1999, the temperature-controlled facility will offer 14,000 frozen pallet positions, USDA meat import and export inspection services and eight 24-hour blast freezing cells for on-site blasting capacity. Strategically located outside of the Port of Charleston with immediate access to the I-26 and I-95 freeways, it is also positioned for overweight loads to assist shippers with optimal outbound loading and inbound de-consolidation support. AGRO is investing approximately $8 million in facility improvements.

“We are extremely excited to offer a new state-of-the-art solution for our customers that will provide them excellent access to the Port of Charleston, and a cost-effective alternative to move product into and through the Southeastern U.S.,” says Chris Hughes, partner and president. “We have an excellent relationship with the Port of Charleston, and look forward to working together to optimize our customer’s import and export supply chain options in the market.”

AGRO partnered with Primus Builders, Inc., Woodstock, Ga., to build out the improvements. The site is expected to be operational in August 2014.