Food ingredients producer Chaucer has opened a new freeze dry factory in Portland, in the US state of Oregon.
Spread over an area of around 100,000ft2, the facility will house four freeze dry tunnels as part of phase I and the further expansion that will take place in the mid-term will take this number to eight tunnels.
The $20m plant is capable of freeze drying of fruit and vegetables, ranging from whole fruits and vegetables through to slices, dice and powdered formats.
This will also package the products into various carton size configurations which will be supplied to small and large food manufacturers covering the cereal, confectionery, bakery, beverage and snacking industries.
The company will employ close to 50 people at the plant in phase I, with plans to increase the number of employees to 75.
Chaucer CEO Andy Ducker said: "We are delighted to announce the opening of our new US facility, a milestone achievement for the Company, which underpins our positioning as one of the global leaders on the freeze dry stage.
"The US freeze dried market is experiencing rapid growth and our new facility will enable us to maximize our opportunities within this market. We work at the very forefront of the freeze dried and specialist food ingredient global markets and are very excited about our new phase of development."
Image: The plant is capable of freeze drying of fruit and vegetables. Photo: courtesy of BrianHolm / freedigitalphotos.
