Fresh Produce. New Jobs. Greater Reach: Donna Expands Rio South Texas Region’ Cold Chain

A new investment in Donna is strengthening the connection between Mexican growers and markets across the United States.

The opening of Linda Vista Cold Storage, developed by McDaniel & Chirico Worldwide, brings new jobs and expanded refrigerated distribution capacity to the Rio South Texas Region. The facility specializes in fresh produce from Mexico, including avocados, lemons, limes and mangoes, supporting their movement to customers nationwide.

This project highlights the region’s role in cross-border trade, and the opportunities that emerge when location, infrastructure and industry expertise come together.

Built for Freshness. Positioned for Nationwide Distribution.

The 50,000-square-foot facility includes 30,000 square feet of refrigerated space and approximately 1,000 pallet positions, with the potential to accommodate 300 to 400 additional pallets.

Produce-ripening capabilities and a state-of-the-art packing line extend the facility’s services beyond storage, supporting additional steps in the fresh produce distribution process. Plans call for another 30,000 square feet of expansion, further increasing its operational footprint.

Together, these capabilities strengthen the infrastructure connecting agricultural production in Mexico with U.S. businesses and consumers.

Why Donna? Location, Connectivity and Community.

According to Michael Chirico, president of McDaniel & Chirico Worldwide, the project followed approximately five years of planning and development.

“Donna is the heart of the Valley,” Chirico said, pointing to the city’s location, international bridge connectivity, infrastructure, workforce and community support.

Those assets help position Donna as a strategic base for companies managing cross-border supply chains. Access to international crossings, combined with specialized facilities for perishable products, supports the region’s ability to serve national distribution networks.

The company also recognized the City of Donna’s assistance with infrastructure, permitting and operational needs throughout the project’s development.

Opening Doors for Mexican Producers

Linda Vista Cold Storage adds infrastructure for Mexican agricultural producers seeking to expand their reach in the United States.

Its business model centers on receiving fresh produce from Mexico and redistributing it to markets across the country. Refrigerated storage, ripening and packing services help support the controlled conditions and handling that perishable products require along the way.

For growers and companies exploring U.S. market opportunities, the investment reinforces South Texas’ value as a connection point between production and distribution.

A Foundation for Continued Growth

The opening marks the beginning of a longer-term commitment to Donna. McDaniel & Chirico Worldwide has outlined a five-year growth plan focused on expanding operations and creating additional jobs and opportunities for local residents.

Donna EDC welcomed the company to the city’s business community, describing the investment as another example of Donna’s position as the “Center of Opportunity.”

For Río South Texas, Linda Vista Cold Storage represents more than added warehouse capacity. It strengthens the region’s ability to connect producers with customers, support local employment and advance its role in international commerce.

From Mexican growers to U.S. markets, opportunity moves through Río South Texas Region.