A M King begins construction on cold storage facility for Mexico-based produce company

A M King, an Integrated Design-Build firm with an established presence in the Upstate, has begun construction of a south Texas distribution center for Mexico-based GAB Operations, LLC (GAB). When complete, the new 45,590-square-foot facility, will provide increased cold storage capacity for fresh produce and will serve as a hub for the company’s U.S. and Canadian customers. The project is scheduled to be completed in October 2021.

GAB’s Laredo distribution center will be located in the Pinnacle Industry Center, which is just minutes from the Rio Grande River and the Laredo International Airport. It is neighbor to Mission Produce’s new 262,000-sf greenfield ripening, processing and distribution center, an A M King project that will be complete this summer.

“We’re happy to be working with another prominent produce company in Laredo,” says Dan Crist, A M King Vice President. “Our food industry expertise, coupled with our track record of successfully completed cold storage and distribution facilities, places us in a great position to design and build this project, and serve as a resource for a new international client.”

Founded more than three decades ago in Guanajuato, Mexico, GAB specializes in the production, development, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen vegetables and fruits. Items include broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and other leafy greens, varieties of lettuce, celery, sweet corn, snow peas, pumpkin, sweet mini peppers, berries, and more. The company, which operates under the brand name Mr. Lucky, is one of the largest garlic and organic tomato producers in Mexico. GAB also prepares fresh-cut produce for food service clients and provides pre-packed salads and private-label products for many U.S.-based produce outfits. Fifteen years ago, the company initiated internal food safety standards and set its own documentation and traceability program. They use the latest technology in advanced irrigation systems, integrated fertigation and pest management systems to guarantee delivery of high-quality produce worldwide.

A M King

A M King is an integrated Design-Build firm based in Charlotte, NC with offices in Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL. An employee-owned company, A M King consistently and successfully delivers quality projects throughout the United States. With an experienced team committed to protecting clients’ assets, the firm provides property consulting, design and engineering, construction, and facility services in key market sectors including food processing, food distribution, industrial manufacturing, and commercial properties.

GAB Operations, LLC

GAB Operations, LLC is a 100% Mexican-owned company, with more than three decades of experience in production, development, marketing, and distribution of fresh and frozen products, processed and marketed with the highest quality standards. The company is strategically located in the state of Guanajuato, in the Bajío region, which has been traditionally rich in agriculture. It is here that their extensive farm base allows them to grow fresh produce year-round. The company has only one goal in mind— exceeding customer satisfaction—which has driven the GAB team to be a leading producer of fresh and frozen vegetables worldwide.