Mission Produce has started construction work on a mega distribution centre in Laredo, Texas.
The 262,000ft2 facility, which is due to be completed in mid-2021 and will initially create 75 jobs, will serve as a major distribution hub for Mexican avocados coming into the US and is one of many key global investments Mission has made in recent years.
“The Laredo, TX facility will shorten our replenishment time to our network and add flexibility in managing inventory,” said president and CEO Steve Barnard.
“The city of Laredo is strategically positioned on the border of Texas and Mexico, making it an ideal location for the distribution of Mexican avocados into the US. By investing in Laredo, we are redoubling our commitment to serving customers, providing value-added services, creating jobs, and leading the avocado industry.”
The new facility will also improve the company’s ability to provide third-party services to other businesses in the produce industry.
Built with scalability and versatility in mind, the centre will initially provide Mission with 40 dock positions, ripening rooms, bagging operations, and pallet cooling capacities suitable for any commodity.
It will accommodate ample refrigerated dock and cooler space designated for third-party logistics crossings and short-term storage. With the completion of this project, Mission can house, cool, and cross-dock the countless fresh products that cross the Mexico-US border each day.
“We are excited to welcome a great global brand like Mission Produce to Laredo,” said Laredo’s Mayor Pete Saenz.
“Mission Produce’s decision to invest in Laredo speaks volumes for city’s international trade and logistics industry, which has made Laredo the number one port in the country.
“The new distribution centre will create a great number of good-paying jobs for Laredoans, and I look forward to working with the world’s largest shipper, packer, and distributor of avocados.”
