Greenyard Foods, Belgium, announced plans to construct its first state-of-the-art packing and cold storage facility in the United States.

Located in Swedesboro, N.J., this facility is strategically positioned within close proximity of the northeastern This expansion substantially increases its overall production capability and company’s services for customers in value-add packing, temperature-controlled storage and service-providing opportunities. Future growth is anticipated with potential for additional development in the facility plans.

“This expansion is in line with Greenyard Foods’ focus to grow in the U.S. market, as part of the Fresh division’s growth plans,” says Marleen Vaesen, chief executive officer. “It underlines our commitment to invest in our fresh operations, our people and ultimately our mission to grow consumption of fruits and vegetables for a healthier future.”

The plan is to open the facility in February 2017. Seald Sweet, part of the Fresh division of Greenyard Foods and sister company of UNIVEG Logistics America, Swedesboro, N.J., will also relocate its import production operations and northeast sales offices to the new facility, enabling the sales and production teams to continue operating within the same location.

“As part of our strategic plan, the expansion of our northeast operations not only substantially increases our production capacity, but [also] further underscores our commitment to our customers and growers,” adds Mayda Sotomayor, managing director of UNIVEG Logistics America. “Expanding our facility has been in our plans for quite some time, as our current facility has been a challenge for our continued growth. We couldn’t be more excited to finally move forward with the plans.”