A M King completes construction of cold storage facility for GAB Operations, Mexico-Based produce company
January 20, 2022
Carolinas-based A M King, an integrated Design-Build firm with an established presence in the Upstate has completed construction of a south Texas distribution center for Mexico-based GAB Operations, LLC (GAB). The new 45,590-square-foot facility will provide increased cold storage capacity for fresh produce and serve as a hub for the company’s U.S. and Canadian customers.
GAB’s Laredo distribution center is located in the Pinnacle Industry Center, which is just minutes from the Rio Grande River, World Trade Bridge border crossing and the Laredo International Airport. It neighbors another recently completed A M King project, Mission Produce’s new 262,000-sf greenfield ripening, processing and distribution center.
“We’re thrilled to have completed another prominent produce project in Laredo,” said Dan Crist, A M King Vice President. “Our food industry expertise, coupled with our track record of successfully completed cold storage and distribution facilities, put us in a great position to design and build this project, and to serve as a resource for a new international client.”
“A M King designed and built an excellent facility for us in Laredo,” said Jaime Usabiaga, GAB General Manager. “Because we’ll have storage for an additional two million pounds of frozen produce plus day holding capacity for fresh, we will not have to rely on outside storage and can provide faster delivery and service to our customers.”
A M King’s scope of work on this project includes 7,717 square feet of refrigerated spaces ranging from 34 to 45 degrees; a 13,030-square-foot, -10-degree freezer; 2,502 square feet of 75-degree dry storage; 10 dock positions and 4,570 square feet of office space. In addition, there is 82,000 square feet of concrete truck apron adjacent to the building. The exterior of the warehouse was constructed using Insulated Metal Panel (IMP), while the office section presents an EIFS/Stucco finish and a decorative metal accent panel system.
Founded more than four 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. GAB, which operates under the brand names Mr. Lucky and Covemex, is also one of the largest garlic and organic tomato producers in Mexico, prepares fresh-cut produce for food service clients, and provides pre-packed salads and private-label products for many U.S.-based produce businesses. 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 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, construction, and facility services in key market sectors including food processing, food distribution, industrial manufacturing, and corporate properties.
