New Warehouse Operator
Takes Charge at Port of Corpus Christi

Paul R. Higginbotham (third from right) makes remarks during the official opening of the Coastal Bend Cold Storage facility. Listening to his comments are (left to right): Martha Ann Higginbotham, Elizabeth Higginbotham and Port of Corpus Christi Commissioner Mike Carrell.

Paul R. Higginbotham of Aransas Pass, Texas, and two family members acquired the Coastal Bend Cold Storage facility on July 1. The public refrigerated warehouse operation was formerly run and owned by the Port of Corpus Christi.

Higginbotham is the former principal of Virginia-based Corrugated Container Corporation, which manufactures and designs corrugated boxes and displays. After retiring in South Texas, the opportunity to lease the coldstore arose, which prompted him to come out of retirement to begin a new commercial endeavor. Coastal Bend Cold Storage plans to develop international relationships and expand business with large domestic grocers and retailers. It is leasing the premises for a five-year period, with the option to purchase or extend the lease to 17 years.

The Coastal Bend Cold Storage facility is a state-of-the-art, 3,300,000 cubic foot refrigerated warehouse with 9,600 racked pallet positions stacked five-high. Sitting just 60 feet from the ship dock on the Texas Gulf Coast, the premises contain two blast freezers, a meat re-packing room, and enclosed temperature-controlled train and truck docks. From its strategic position on the waterfront, it serves the North American and world markets with direct vessel and rail connections as well as easy access to Interstate Highway 37, which services San Antonio, Austin and Houston, Texas. Sailing time to the Gulf of Mexico is approximately two hours from the port.

The company, which has good contacts with food producers in Latin America, expects to do brisk business with overseas exporters and importers there and around the world.