US – Mann Packing – a subsidiary of North American food production and distribution company Fresh Del Monte Produce – has announced the opening of its new packaged vegetable production facility in Gonzales, California.
Founded in 1939, Mann Packing was acquired by Fresh Del Monte Produce in 2018 for $361 million and now operates under its vegetable division.
According to a statement from Mann, the new 130,000 square-feet facility will produce a range of vegetable products including Mann’s veggie slaws, veggie sides and Nourish Bowl salads, in addition to fresh-cut fruit.
The new plant marks Mann Packing’s fifth facility, joining its line of west coast operations which include Salinas, Chualar, Delhi (all in California) and one in Yuma, Arizona.
With its Gonzales facility, Mann Packing says it will be able to grow its packaged vegetable business and improve its existing operations.
The fresh produce company further noted that the facility will also provide it with a new space to help meet rising consumer needs.
In order to strengthen its focus on food safety and quality, Mann Packing said it has implemented features such as an improved environmental monitoring programme and updated QMS technology for instant information sharing.
The Gonzales facility will also implement full cold chain from reception of raw material to delivery of finished product to ensure freshness of produce.
“Our commitment to our customers and consumers is to supply the freshest produce with optimum standards of food safety, quality and a never-ending improvement of our customer service,” said Parker Javid, vice president of sales at Mann Packing Co.
“With the opening of this safe and innovative facility we are so excited to continue to share with our consumers both new and existing products and continue to build a bright future together with them,” Javid added.
The facility will also feature a 260-foot wind turbine to support the company’s sustainability goals, while wash water will be reclaimed into industrial waste systems for use on local golf courses and city landscaping.
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