From L to R: (Zach Adams, Logan Stuller, Tyler Craft, Mike Matranga, Eddie Ruiz, Danny Woodson, Alex Baumer, Sam Tippmann, Bret Wedding, Commissioner Cohan, Josh Koester, Shawn Conklin, Todd Jesup, Jesse Kamm, and Rob Adams).
Tampa, FL. (01/29/2026) – Sunshine Solar Cold Storage officially celebrated the groundbreaking of a multi-million dollar solar-powered, temperature-controlled facility near the Port of Tampa! Designed and constructed by Ti Cold, the facility is strategically located to support port-driven distribution and regional cold-chain demand.
SSCS and Ti Cold are revolutionizing the industry by combining reliable cold storage capacity with a solar-powered, environmentally responsible design. The building will feature over 32,316 pallet positions supported by a mobile racking system, maximizing storage density and operational flexibility within a constrained site footprint. Operations will be supported by an AI-powered warehouse management system (WMS), optimizing inventory flow, space utilization, and throughput efficiency. Due to limited available land, the 151,000-square-foot facility has been uniquely engineered to sit above an on-site retention pond. Together, these innovations position Sunshine Solar Cold Storage as a model for the future of supply chain.
“We wanted to create something completely different from the traditional cold storage model,” said Alex Baumer, VP and Partner of Sunshine Solar Cold Storage. “Our vision is to build a modern, state-of-the-art facility powered entirely by solar energy, proving that large-scale industrial operations can be efficient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible.”
In addition to advancing sustainable cold storage infrastructure, the Sunshine Solar Cold Storage investment will deliver meaningful economic benefits to the Gibsonton community. The project is expected to create more than 70 full-time jobs upon completion, supporting a range of operations, logistics, and technical roles while generating long-term employment opportunities in the region. Strategically located near the Port of Tampa, the facility will strengthen local supply-chain capabilities and contribute to the area’s continued industrial growth, reinforcing Gibsonton’s role as a critical logistics and distribution hub for Central Florida.
“Sunshine Solar Cold Storage challenged our team to think differently through the engineering process,” said Sam Tippmann, President of Ti Cold. “From a solar-powered energy strategy to an elevated structure over a retention pond, this project demonstrates what’s possible when innovation leads the design process.”
Construction is now underway, with Sunshine Solar Cold Storage expected to begin operations following project completion, summer 2027.
About Ti Cold
Ti Cold is known as a specialty, award-winning industrial cold storage builder with decades of experience in designing and building state-of-the-art facilities. They utilize time-honed expertise and advanced technology solutions to create efficient buildings that scale with a business and maximize profitability by fully integrating operations and supply chain. Ti Cold provides a full suite of cold storage construction and development services, including master site planning and operations guidance. Their consulting services help companies navigate the unique challenges associated with a rapidly changing industry. Ti Cold has offices in Florida and Indiana but makes an impact across the United States. For more information, contact Rob Adams at [email protected].
About Sunshine Solar Cold Storage (SSCS)
Sunshine Solar Cold Storage (SSCS) is developing a solar-powered cold storage facility in Gibsonton, Florida, designed to deliver reliable, high-efficiency freezer capacity with a strong sustainability focus. The 151,000-square-foot facility will feature temperatures capable of -20°F environments, mobile racking to maximize storage density, and a 17,555-square-foot refrigerated dock with 15 dock doors and ramp access to support efficient operational needs. Built with modern, technology-driven systems—including paperless operations, equipment monitoring, and AI-supported analytics—the facility is designed to optimize performance and service reliability. SSCS’s energy strategy includes 4,999 solar panels with net metering through TECO, supported by grid connection and generator backup, creating a resilient, triple-redundant power system that supports long-term operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.