HispanicBusiness

Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce Inc. announced Monday that it's increasing space and doubling ripening capabilities at its Toronto facility, and is purchasing a new packing facility in Mexico.

The Toronto facility is growing from 6,000 to more than 28,000 square feet, and is doubling ripening capabilities from 72 to 144 pallet spaces. Cooling storage is also increasing to more than 400 pallet spaces.

Mission expanded into Canada three years ago.

"We came to a point where we needed more space to serve our existing customers and to continue to grow the Canadian business," said Process Improvement Manager Jake Nixon.

In Mexico, Mission has opened a new packinghouse near Zamora, Michoacan, called Mission La Cantera. The purchase of the Zamora facility will increase production capabilities in Mexico and optimize sourcing and transportation efficiencies due to the proximity of local avocados.

The Zamora facility has the ability to pack nearly 300 pallets per day. The current plant has 28,000 square feet which Mission will expand to more than double the size. Existing cold storage of 100 pallets will increase to more than 500 pallets.