AIT Worldwide Logistics, Itasca, Ill., acquired WorldFresh Express, a Los Angeles-based freight forwarder specializing in perishable food products.

The acquisition of WorldFresh expands AIT’s cold chain capabilities by adding specialized operational knowledge as well as a world-class, 13,800-square-foot, temperature-controlled facility on the West Coast with distinct zones to hold refrigerated, frozen and fresh foods.

WorldFresh founder Doug Kinney assumed the role of station manager upon the completion of the acquisition.

“AIT will continue evaluating other cold chain forwarders around the world for potential acquisitions,” says Vaughn Moore, president and CEO of AIT Worldwide Logistics. “Firms that handle distinct commodities with diverse service portfolios are the best fit for our cold chain business model. We are also pursuing firms with a broader logistics scope to support the company’s long-term strategic growth plan.”

“The strategic acquisition of WorldFresh Express instantly gives a boost to AIT’s existing cold chain infrastructure and intellectual capital,” adds Keith Tholan, AIT’s chief operations officer. “Customers who rely on our know-how for temperature-controlled storage, packaging, fulfillment and delivery will benefit from a wider range of options and more efficient solutions as a result of this addition to our organization. AIT has been delivering unique cold chain solutions for 22 years, and we are glad to be diversifying our products with the WorldFresh team’s expertise in produce and proteins.”