Mastronardi's Coldwater greenhouse set for expansion
Mastronardi's Coldwater greenhouse set for expansion
Mastronardi Produce, a leading greenhouse vegetable producer based in Kingsville, ON, has broken ground on phase II of the expansion of its greenhouse facility in Coldwater, MI. Upon completion, the expansion will double its current size to 60 acres.
Coldwater Greenhouse opened for production in 2012. This advanced greenhouse uses grow light technology to provide Michigan-grown tomatoes to Midwest consumers year-round.
Mastronardi Produce has broken ground on phase II of its greenhouse facility expansion in Coldwater, MI.The greenhouse currently produces "Sunset" brand Angel Sweet grape tomatoes and tomatoes-on-the-vine. The expansion will enable the greenhouse to introduce even more products for year-round production to better serve the surrounding communities.
"We're very happy to get started on phase II construction," Christopher Gill, director of greenhouse operations, said in a press release. "This new addition will feature even more technological advances and more opportunity for the community, which is always a top priority."
A 2013 recipient of the Southwest Michigan Catalyst Award, Mastronardi Produce has created employment opportunities and has positively affected the economy of southwest Michigan. This new expansion will provide as many as 90 new job opportunities in Coldwater, MI.
Additionally, year-round greenhouse produce production will better serve the Coldwater community as well as surrounding communities and states.
The phase II expansion will also allow increased energy efficiency and decrease food miles, as more local products will be available. Rainwater irrigation will also increase efficiency and the farm will continue to recycle its water supply.
Upon completion in the summer of 2014, Coldwater Greenhouse will become a Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program-verified farm in recognition of Mastronardi's environmental initiatives.