HAGERSTOWN – Construction is underway on a 15-story cold storage warehouse on Oak Ridge Drive, marking one of the largest private industrial projects ever launched in Washington County.
The $275 million facility, developed by NewCold, a Netherlands-based cold logistics company, will total about 400,000 square feet and stand roughly 150 feet tall on the former Review & Herald property at 45 W. Oak Ridge Drive. Local planning officials approved the project earlier this year after granting a zoning variance for its height.
NewCold’s automated, high-bay warehouse will use robotic cranes and temperature-controlled storage systems to handle frozen foods with minimal human entry. Groundwork began this summer, with steel framing expected to rise in the coming months. The company projects operations could begin by early 2027.
Economic impact
City and county leaders say the project will bring long-term benefits to Hagerstown’s economy. The warehouse is expected to create 125 to 150 jobs in technical and logistics positions once complete.
“This project will create good employment opportunities for our residents,” Mayor William McIntire said. “NewCold’s advanced facility will require specialized workers, and the investment will be a boost to our local economy.”
The company plans to recruit and train area residents for skilled automation and maintenance roles. Officials expect additional ripple effects for trucking, food distribution and packaging businesses tied to cold-chain operations.
Company background
Founded in 2012, NewCold has become one of the world’s largest refrigerated warehouse operators, with 26 facilities on three continents. Its North American locations include Georgia, Indiana and Washington state. Each site uses automated storage and retrieval systems designed for energy efficiency and precision handling.
Bram Hage, NewCold’s founder and chief executive officer, said the company chose Hagerstown for its location near interstate routes and access to the Port of Baltimore. “We’re excited to bring our innovative solutions to the city and contribute to its growth,” Hage said.
Local and state support
The Maryland Department of Commerce approved a $1 million conditional loan to help launch the project, contingent on job creation. Hagerstown contributed by waiving certain wastewater service fees to meet the state’s local-match requirement.
Gov. Wes Moore praised the expansion, calling it “the kind of forward-looking investment that keeps Maryland competitive.” State and city officials coordinated permitting to keep the project on schedule.
Community reaction has been largely positive. The site sits within an industrial corridor near I-70, away from residential neighborhoods, and residents have expressed interest in the tower now rising along the skyline.
Next steps
Construction will continue through 2026, with interior automation and refrigeration systems installed late next year. NewCold anticipates the first pallets will enter the warehouse in early 2027, when the facility becomes fully operational.
Local leaders view the project as a signal of Hagerstown’s economic momentum. “This is another example of how our city is attracting high-tech industries that provide good jobs and long-term growth,” McIntire said.
