Mucci Farms adds two U.S. distribution centres

KINGSVILLE, Ont. – Mucci Farms, and Ontario-based greenhouse produce farming operation, is adding two new U.S. based facilities in Romulus, Michigan, and San Antonio, Texas.

Both facilities will be equipped with state-of-the-art automation and technology, and serve as cross docks to maximize efficiency.  The Romulus, Michigan warehouse is has a 66,300 square feet footprint and will primarily service the Midwest and Northeast United States.

“This location will help us pack, repack and distribute our full lineup to the region in a timely manner,” said Gianni Mucci, vice-president of operations.

“Romulus is a great location for us as it allows us to avoid wait times at the border and quickly redirect product to several states.”

The Texas warehouse is a 54,000-square-foot facility located to serve as a cross dock primarily during the winter months. The San Antonio location will help the company service southern states in the U.S. and addresses an industry-wide labour challenge.

“The San Antonio area has a population of 2.5 million people and the labour market is particularly experienced in produce,” said Ronnie Alvar, director of operations.

“This helps us onboard a knowledgeable team of people that understand the nuances of the produce industry and can efficiently manage the supply chain.”

This warehouse is equipped with sealing dock doors so there is no temperature fluctuation transferring product from the truck to the warehouse.

“We’re very excited about these two new locations because they will improve our ability to service retailers and consumers in the US,” Mucci said.

“Not only will we be able to service a larger area of the United States, we will significantly reduce our carbon footprint and food mileage which will serve retailers and consumers with high quality fruits and vegetables with an emphasis on environmental responsibility.”

This announcement supports Mucci Farms first US project in Huron, Ohio, a 75-acre greenhouse/warehouse operation. Built in three 25-acre phases, the first phase has been harvesting and servicing retailers since 2018 and phase two is currently under construction with a goal to harvest its first crop this fall.  The entire project is equipped with supplemental grow lights allowing for local production 365 days a year.

Growing fresh produce for over 60 years, Mucci Farms has over 1,700 acres of lettuce, tomato, pepper, cucumber and strawberry farms in Canada and the United States through its global grower partner network.