Star Produce has expanded its produce handling operations with a fourth Canadian distribution centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, according to a news statement from the Canadian group.
The new facility, called Vega Processing, will add to current Star Produce locations in Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, Calgary in Alberta and Burnaby in British Columbia.
The company claims that Vega Processing, which comprises 36,000ft2 of office and warehouse space, includes multiple temperature coolers, a grading and repacking area and 12 shipping and receiving doors.
Vega will handle the firm’s fruit and vegetable shipments from the eastern US, eastern Canada, Mexico, South America and South Africa, all of which are destined for other western provinces in North America.
“Winnipeg’s central location and its close proximity to the US border make it an ideal place to route shipments through,” noted Greg Kennedy, manager of the firm’s Winnipeg division.
“Vega will take some pressure off the other Star distribution centers and cut down on travel time in the region,” Kennedy added.
Sister company, Fresh Direct Foods – a fresh cut processor – will also have a presence in the new facility.
FDF will occupy 5,000ft2 consisting of a pre-wash/product preparation space, a 3,000ft2 production room and a 1,000ft2 packing room.
The state-of-the-art facility will provide next day delivery of fresh cut fruit and vegetables to the surrounding areas, the company added.
Star Produce supplies fresh fruit and vegetables from around the globe to retail and foodservice customers in Canada and the US.
Star Produce is a also member of The Star Group of companies which includes Nova Produce, Consolidated Fruit Packers (CFP), BC Hot House Foods, Fresh Direct Foods and Patterson Farms.
