UPC Southeast LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of UPC, has acquired the former Reinhart Foods facility in Villa Rica, Georgia (90,000 sq. ft. facility), which, will expand UPC’s operations into the southeastern United States. Initially, this facility will house two large HPP systems with the ability to expand to as many as six HPP processing systems and create 60 new jobs in Villa Rica.
HPP has become the preferred technology to produce safe, clean label products with extended shelf life. HPP is a USDA and FDA recognized process that utilizes hydrostatic pressure to destroy harmful bacteria in foods. HPP‘s widespread adoption includes ready-to-eat proteins, raw poultry chubs, wet (spoonable) salads, premium juices and many other high quality food products.
Jeff Barnard, President of Universal, commented, "We are excited to expand our network of tolling locations to better serve our existing as well as future customers. We are making this significant investment in the Southeast to help our customers meet the demand for HPP products they are seeing in the market. Finally, UPC would like to extend its appreciation to all of the Georgia and local agencies involved, for making the UPC expansion a possibility.”
UPC’s facility in Villa Rica represents the opportunity for the company to expand upon its industry leading HPP toll processing operations in Lincoln, NE. UPC’s Lincoln facility operates five Avure Technologies HPP systems, with the ability to process over 80M lbs. per year.
“We are excited and thrilled to have a new industry coming to Villa Rica that will provide quality jobs for our citizens,” said Villa Rica Mayor Jay Collins. “We look forward to a prosperous partnership with UPC.”
The Villa Rica Development Authority, City of Villa Rica, Georgia Department of Economic Development Representative EJane Caraway and Carroll Tomorrow partnered to make this project a reality for Villa Rica.
“We’re pleased that this innovative company has chosen Georgia as the ideal place from which to expand into the southeastern market,” said Chris Cummiskey, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “UPC will be able to capitalize on a business-friendly infrastructure that includes a deeply experienced workforce and a highly efficient logistics network.”
“UPC represents a great addition to our robust food processing industry,” stated Chairman Kurt Kraft of the Villa Rica Development Authority. “Our available workforce matches up real well with UPC’s goal of hiring skilled workers and The Authority is very proud to support their growth plans.”
Universal, based in Lincoln, NE, is a leading independent provider of cold storage, high pressure pasteurization (“HPP”), and other value-added services to food manufacturers. Universal is comprised of two complementary segments (Universal Cold Storage and Universal Pasteurization Company) and provides customers with a one-stop shop for cold storage, HPP and related value added services. For additional information, please visit www.universalcoldstorage.com.
Source: Universal Cold Storage
