A recent cold storage expansion in Council Bluffs is highlighting why the Omaha metropolitan area continues to attract complex, logistics-driven industrial development.
USP Management, LLC., a Lincoln, Nebraska–based real estate development firm with projects across North America, recently completed a state-of-the-art cold storage facility serving the Omaha region. The project, IceCap Cold Storage, adds modern freezer and cooler space, advanced racking systems, and upgraded refrigeration technology designed to meet the evolving demands of national food and protein supply chains.
The expansion was driven less by real estate fundamentals alone and more by Omaha’s ability to support long-term operational growth, said Monte Froehlich, President of USP Management.
“The goal was to increase capacity, improve temperature-controlled logistics, and support customers as retail and protein supply chains continue to evolve,” he said.
The Greater Omaha region offered several advantages over other potential locations. Proximity to the company’s headquarters allowed for tighter oversight and faster decision-making, while the region demonstrated a clear readiness for specialized industrial development.
“Both Omaha and Council Bluffs showed an openness to the project and the ability to move it forward,” Froehlich said, noting that other markets were not positioned to support this type of development at the time.
Strategic location also played a key role. The facility sits within what industry leaders often call “the protein corridor,” allowing IceCap to better serve producers and processors that depend on high-integrity, temperature-controlled storage.
“Positioning the facility here enables us to serve customers with greater reliability and flexibility,” according to Froehlich.
Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation (ASWIC), an economic development partner of the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership helped turn that strategy into reality. ASWIC provided market data, permitting guidance, and introductions, while Council Bluffs City officials worked closely with the development team on approvals, utilities coordination and site planning. That coordination helped the project move from design to delivery with fewer delays than are typical for highly specialized cold storage facilities.
“Working with USP Management on the IceCap project has been a true pleasure. Their team understands both the technical needs of the industries they serve and the value of being part of a strong, business-friendly community, said Paula Hazlewood, CEO of Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation. “IceCap’s decision to locate in Council Bluffs reinforces our position as a strategic logistics and cold-storage hub while delivering meaningful economic impact for our local workforce and regional supply chain.”
The site itself offers a logistics advantage that is increasingly difficult to replicate. Located in Council Bluffs, the facility is close to major interstate corridors and has direct access to Union Pacific rail spurs, enabling efficient rail-based movement of temperature-controlled goods.
“Rail access gives our customers a cost-effective alternative to long-haul trucking,” Froehlich said. “It’s especially valuable given rising transportation costs and capacity constraints.”
Workforce availability was also part of the equation. While cold storage operations face hiring and retention challenges nationwide, Omaha’s industrial labor base and training partners provided a foundation for growth.
“It’s a tight labor market, but employees who stay develop strong technical skills and become high-value contributors,” according to Froehlich.
The development has helped attract new customers, deepen existing relationships and support stricter quality and safety requirements.
For site selectors and executives evaluating the Omaha region, the takeaway is clear.
“With realistic timelines and early coordination, Omaha and Council Bluffs offer strong infrastructure, strategic location advantages, and a stable environment for growth,” Froehlich said.