KELOWNA, B.C. – BC Tree Fruits Cooperative is excited to announce the expansion of the Winfield packinghouse. The facility is applying to expand to allow space for a new apple bagging line. If approved, the new line would be designed, installed and ready for operation prior to the 2017 apple crop starting this upcoming fall.
BC Tree Fruits continues to be a leader within the industry in Western Canada and with this new line, expands the packing capacity by 30%. The construction and installation of this new line will provide 66 new jobs to the District of Lake Country and helps ensure locally grown, premium apples continue to be handled and packed by local employees.
“We are excited to begin the work on this expansion,” says BC Tree Fruits CEO Stan Swales. “This facility handles the majority of our grower member’s apples grown in the Kelowna and Vernon area so this expansion is imperative to ensure the quality and packing capacity of locally grown apples.”
The Winfield packinghouse is one of four packinghouse facilities for BC Tree Fruits and only handles apples during the entire crop season (fall into the following spring). The other three facilities are located in Kelowna, Oliver and Osoyoos.
About BC Tree Fruits:
BC Tree Fruits Cooperative and is owned by 430 local grower families. The organization markets and distributes a variety of BC-grown fruit including apples, pears, cherries, peaches, apricots, prune plums and blueberries. BC Tree Fruits’ head office is based in Kelowna, B.C. www.bctreefruits.com | www.twitter.com/bctreefruits | facebook.com/bctree
Source: BC Tree Fruits Cooperative