SunOpta
, a leading plant-based food and beverage company, has opened a new
$31 million
warehouse in
Alexandria, Minnesota
. This warehouse consolidates three sites into one and brings
SunOpta's
distribution operations completely in-house. The new warehouse will improve customer service, expand handling and storage capabilities, and support the company's production of plant-based milks and creamers.
Key Highlights:
*
SunOpta
aims to double its plant-based business by 2025 and drive sales to
$2 billion
by 2030.
* The new warehouse is expected to result in cost savings of
$60-$250k
per year.
* The warehouse will reduce diesel consumption by at least 5,000 gallons and CO2 emissions by over 100,000 pounds annually.
Original Press Release:
Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Oct. 26
--
SunOpta
issued the following news release:
- Leading Plant-Based Food and Beverage Company Brings Storage and Distribution In-House with the Opening of its
New Alexandria Warehouse
, Aiding in Plant Production Growth and Improving its Sustainability Impact
SunOpta
(Nasdaq: STKL) (TSX: SOY), a
U.S.
-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based foods and beverages, opened a new warehouse in
Alexandria, Minnesota
that marks a significant step in SunOpta’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its storage and distribution capabilities while aligning with the company’s ambitious growth targets. The opening of this warehouse brings SunOpta’s distribution operations completely in-house and consolidates three sites in
Alexandria
to one. The new warehouse will hold finished goods, raw materials and ingredients and will improve overall customer service and expand SunOpta’s handling and storage capabilities.
“This new warehouse plays a pivotal role in SunOpta’s long-term strategy and aligns seamlessly with our company goals to double our plant-based business by 2025 and drive sales to
$2 billion
by 2030,” said
Joe Ennen
, CEO of
SunOpta
. “With cutting-edge infrastructure and equipment, this new warehouse is poised to consolidate our operations, as well as improve our sustainability impact by reducing mileage and associated fuel costs with distribution. As
Minnesota
is home to our headquarters, we are encouraged to continue expanding in this area, and are empowered to meet the growing demand for plant-based food and beverage offerings.”
This impressive
$31 million
, 252,000-square-foot warehouse will play a crucial role in supporting SunOpta’s production of plant-based milks and creamers. The company anticipates cost savings between
$60-$250k
per year with the new warehouse, along with a significant reduction of at least 5,000 gallons of consumed diesel and over 100,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually when compared to the current network. The warehouse offers an impressive capacity of approximately 20,000 pallet positions and was constructed with the foresight for future expansion, allowing for an additional 75,000 square feet of space. This approach ensures that the warehouse can quickly adapt to the growing demands of the business, providing flexibility and efficiency for years to come.
The warehouse is anticipated to employ a workforce of approximately eight to ten individuals and within the first two years of its opening,
SunOpta
plans to bring on board a minimum of five additional full-time employees to provide further essential support. The warehouse is located at
2930 34th Avenue West
in
Alexandria, Minnesota
.
SunOpta
celebrated the opening of its new
Alexandria
warehouse on
October 26, 2023
with a tree planting ceremony to commemorate the growth, collaboration, and commitment to sustainability this new warehouse will uphold.
About
SunOpta, Inc.
SunOpta
(Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is a
U.S.
-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based foods and beverages. Founded nearly 50 years ago,
SunOpta
manufactures natural, organic and specialty products sold through retail and foodservice channels.
SunOpta
operates as a manufacturer for leading natural and private label brands, and also proudly produces its own brands, including Sown®, Dream® and West Life™.
Source:
SunOpta
[Category: Food,
Packaged Foods & Meats
, Business Expansion, ESG]
