The (Portland) Oregonianreported thatTurtle Island Foods Inc. expects to earn a LEED Platinum certification for a new $10 million refrigerated and frozen soy products plant in Turtle Island's home town of Hood River, Ore.

Turtle Island produces refrigerated and frozen meat alternatives under the Tofurky brand. It also processes and markets a vegan line includes meatless deli slices, sausages and pizzas. Turtle Island distributes products to more than 4,000 natural food and grocery stores in the United States and Canada.
Turtle Island said it expects by next year to complete the 33,000-square-foot building, which will employ as many as 100 people. The company currently employs 73 people at a former cannery in Hood River's downtown.

Officials saidKey Development Corp. of Hood Riveris a partner for the new building.The Oregonianquoted officials who said the new facility will rely on solar power to heat its water; capture heat from the refrigeration system that can be used as heating source; and employ high-efficiency processing equipment.