Mission Produce announced the early construction of its new packing facility in Oxnard, California, due to be completed by early 2015.
The global avocado packer-shipper will develop the site into its avocado packing facility, as well as a ripening and distribution centre, with a capacity of more than 6,000 high cube pallets.
With forced air cooling, refrigerated docks and LED lighting, the new facility features energy efficient designs, powered by a 1 mega watt solar energy system on the roof.
“As avocado consumption continues to increase at double digit growth, Mission’s facilities also need to expand to handle the added volume, whether it be local growth, imports or exports,” said CEO Steve Barnard in a company statement. “This new facility will definitely take us to the next level, in addition to being energy efficient.”
After the operations packing plant and cooling areas are completed, Mission will focus on developing corporate offices. Mission Produce currently runs operations in Mexico, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Canada and the Netherlands on top of the US.
