Thermal-packaging company to launch operation at Stead

A Massachusetts company that manufactures thermal-insulated shipping containers will open a manufacturing and distribution center at Stead.

Cold Chain Technologies, which is headquartered at Holliston, Mass., expects the facility will employ about 40 by the end of the year. The company has scheduled a June move into a 42,500-square-foot space in the building developed by Panattoni Development at 6640 Echo Ave.

Bob Bohne, vice president and general manager of Cold Chain Technologies, said the company primarily will serve its West Coast customers from the Reno facility.

Cold Chain's shipping products are purchased by customers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and food service industries. Its primary products are molded plastic containers.

Its major hubs currently are located at Boston and Nashville.

Bohne said the company selected Reno because it's well-located to serve West Coast customers, has an available workforce and is less expensive than California locations.

Other tenants in the 429,000-square-foot building that will be home to Cold Chain Technologies are Urban Outfitters and Cardinal Health. About 123,000 square feet in the building remains available for lease.