KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO - Major growth is on the horizon for Mucci Farms. The company announced a large-scale, multi-year investment that will establish its footprint on U.S. soil, in addition to further supporting its growing U.S. customer base. Mucci Farms is expanding into Huron, Ohio.
This new stage of growth in Ohio will encompass a three phase construction project. According to a press release, this project will cover 60 acres and feature the latest state-of-the-art greenhouses, and a 272,000-square-foot distribution warehouse to support the company’s sustainable and successful relationship with a number of large U.S. retailers.
Mucci Farms has already broken ground on the first phase of the project, which includes the construction of a 24-acre range. The company said that it expects produce coming from this facility as soon as March 2018. The company decided to include a U.S. growing facility as a strategic answer to meet its customer demands for locally-grown, year-round, fresh, and flavorful produce. This expansion into Ohio will allow Mucci Farms to reduce the food miles for its U.S. retailers, while giving its customers confidence in bringing fresh produce into their homes all year.
Mucci Farms’ new greenhouses will come equipped with the latest grow lights that simulate sunlight by providing or supplementing the necessary light to optimize plant growth. These grow lights serve to extend the growing season, and keeps Mucci Farms’ produce always in season.
Once the first stage of construction is complete, Mucci Farms expects to employ up to 100 full-time positions. The company predicts that this number will increase to 250 full-time positions by the end of the project’s third phase of construction. The project also expects bring on many different levels of produce professionals and general laborer positions, including growers, assistant growers, and greenhouse labor supervisors that the company is looking to bring on right away.
Mucci Farms had been actively exploring a number of U.S. expansion opportunities for the past 18 months, and selected Huron, Ohio, as the site was a perfect fit due to its easy access to a number of current and potentially new retailer distribution facilities. Furthermore, the location offers a close proximity to the company’s corporate headquarters in Kingsville, Ontario.
“We are extremely pleased to be a part of this next step for Mucci Farms. The Company’s advanced practices and reputation is well suited for our region and business community,” said Abbey Bemis, Executive Director, Erie County Economic Development Corporation.
Mucci Farms said that is has enjoyed a number of working partnerships during the development stages of the expansion with the City of Huron and Erie County officials. The company said it is also looking forward to the number of promising opportunities for continued community partnership ahead.
“The City is excited to collaborate with Mucci Farms in bringing a new, advanced technology to the region. The impact to this area is expected to be profound and transformational. Welcome,” said Andy White, City of Huron, Manager.
As Mucci Farms continues to grow, the company said that its work in its surrounding communities will continue as well. The company stated that it understands the value of supporting all local communities it operations in, and places equal emphasis on social interests in addition to business interests.
Mucci looks forward to the number of inspiring things to come from this investment in Ohio, and its growth alongside the City of Huron, Huron Township, and Erie County.
Congratulations on this expansion to our friends at Mucci Farms! We can't wait to see what comes next.
