Canadian organics packaging firm undertakes $25 million expansion at Upper Macungie facility

SunOpta Inc., a Toronto-based company in the natural, organic and specialty foods industry, has begun a $25 million expansion at its Upper Macungie Township facility that will nearly double the staff from 53 to 101 employees.

The company’s existing footprint in the facility is 101,000 square feet.

“We are developing around 65,000 square feet of that space by renovating and adding manufacturing equipment within that space,” said Rob Litt, a spokesman for SunOpta.

The expansion will add aseptic beverage processing and filling capabilities to SunOpta’s existing manufacturing. Aseptic packaging allows for shelf-stable beverage products such as almond milk.

The Lehigh Valley facility produces re-sealable pouch products. The new aseptic capabilities are expected to be in production in the fourth quarter this year.

“The expansion of our integrated aseptic platform aligns with our strategy to aggressively grow our value-added consumer packaged foods portfolio,” said Steve Bromley, CEO of SunOpta Inc. “Demand for aseptically processed healthy beverages continues to grow as consumers focus on health and wellness, and we are well positioned to participate in these fast growing categories.”

The expansion is the company’s largest capital project this year, according to a spokesman. The construction project – managed by building owner J.G. Petrucci Co. Inc. – will allow room for further expansion at the facility as demand grows.

“We are very proud of our association with SunOpta Inc. and are pleased to be working with them on a second project,” said Martin Till, regional president of J.G. Petrucci. “We are thrilled to serve not only as the owner of SunOpta Inc.’s existing manufacturing facility, but also as the design/build firm.”

The expansion includes additional processing rooms, mechanical infrastructure and an aseptic line to support SunOpta’s new product line of aseptically processed healthy beverages, which includes organic soy milk, almond milk and coconut milk. Fifty-five parking spaces will be added to the property.

Source: LVB.com