The Port and Bellingham Cold Storage (BCS) are pleased to announce a landmark 50-year lease extension. This agreement solidifies BCS’s long-term presence on the Bellingham waterfront, spanning a remarkable 128 years.
The lease extension allows BCS to confidently invest in its future, expanding operations and capabilities to grow with clients’ needs and continue to support the local community. This commitment to growth is underscored by a $30 million investment within the next 20 years to modernize port infrastructure and create new working waterfront job opportunities.
BCS is a vital economic driver for Whatcom County, supporting approximately 1,200 year-round jobs and generating over $600 million in annual commerce.
Beyond its economic impact, BCS is deeply committed to giving back to the community. The company supports numerous schools, non-profits, and government agencies, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility
“The Port lease extension is a testament to our unwavering commitment to Bellingham and the surrounding community,” said Doug Thomas, President and CEO of BCS. “We are proud to continue serving our clients and investing in our operations for decades to come.”
“Bellingham Cold Storage has been a valued Port tenant since 1946,” said Port Commission President Ken Bell. They have always been the best partners and their management team made this industry the largest portside cold storage and food processing facility on the West Coast. As the largest waterfront employer in Whatcom County we are proud to ensure this fantastic company continues to prosper. This means quality high paying jobs for the foreseeable future.”
Key Highlights:
- Long-term commitment: The 50-year lease extension ensures BCS's continued presence in Bellingham.
- Infrastructure investment: A $30 million commitment to modernize facilities within the first 20 years.
- Economic impact: BCS supports 1,200 jobs and generates over $600 million in annual commerce.
- Community involvement: BCS is actively involved in supporting local schools, non-profits, and government agencies.
- Sustainability: BCS is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable practices and investments in energy-efficient technology.
BCS’s operations are essential to the local food supply chain, handling millions of pounds of food products each year including seafood, vegetables, fruits, and meats that are distributed to feed the local community, throughout North America and globally. BCS is very important to Whatcom County’s fishing and agricultural sectors, offering a local solution to process, store, and ship products all under one roof.
“I’ve had the privilege of watching BCS grow and evolve over the past 33 years to become one of the top 20 largest cold storage operations in North America. One of the things that sets us apart is our incredible team,” said Thomas “We have employees who have dedicated their entire careers to BCS, and even multiple generations of families working together. This longevity is a testament to our commitment to creating a positive and rewarding work environment.”
“BCS has been the foundation of Whatcom County’s working waterfront for over 100 years,” said Port Executive Director Rob Fix. “Their contributions to our economy and our community have been immeasurable, and this 50-year lease extension ensures BCS will be a mainstay in our community for years to come.”