Lockhart is rapidly emerging as a cold storage powerhouse in the Austin region, driven by new investment, a growing workforce, and unbeatable access to major transportation corridors. With two major facilities now open — RealCold and Ziegenfelder — the city is cementing its role as a key player in one of the fastest-growing sectors of industrial real estate.
RealCold recently celebrated the grand opening of its 312,000-square-foot facility in Lockhart — the company’s first ground-up development and new flagship hub for national operations. Not long after, Ziegenfelder cut the ribbon on its own cold storage facility, reinforcing Lockhart’s growing momentum as a high-capacity, high-impact destination for food logistics.
“This facility is more than just steel and concrete—it’s a promise of opportunity,” said Lockhart Mayor Lew White. “Today represents more than a grand opening — it reflects a vision and a deep confidence in Lockhart’s economy that will benefit generations to come,” added Holly Malish, executive director of Economic Development Corp.
Located directly along SH130, Lockhart offers companies direct access to major freight routes while avoiding the congestion of I-35. That infrastructure advantage, paired with a business-friendly environment and room to scale, has made Lockhart an increasingly attractive option for companies seeking reliability, speed to market, and regional reach.
Cold storage has proven to be one of the most resilient sectors in industrial development, even amid shifting trade conditions and rising construction costs. As Area Development recently noted, demand for cold chain infrastructure remains steady due to its essential role in food logistics and distribution.
Leaders from RealCold, Ziegenfelder, and the city of Lockhart share a clear message: This community is ready for growth, investment, and opportunity.
Lockhart’s strength is its location, rooted along SH130 giving it powerful reach into the broader Austin-San Antonio megaregion — connecting companies with a population of over 5 million, a deep labor pool, and one of the most dynamic employment and logistics corridors in the country.
Invest in Lockhart — where cold storage meets hot opportunity.
Opportunity Austin is the regional economic partnership fostering innovation, investment, workforce development, and livability across the Austin region. Harnessing the region’s unrivaled economic momentum, its mission is to be a force multiplier for businesses that share the drive for enduring prosperity. Ultimately, the organization improves the strength, power, and performance of our region and those who do business within it.
