Taylor Farms California, a subsidiary of Taylor Fresh Foods, has completed its semi-annual transition of its processing facility from Salinas, CA, to Yuma, AZ. This transition takes place every year in November, in conjunction with the seasonal change in growing regions from the Salinas Valley to the Yuma area. In March, Taylor Farms transitions back to its Salinas processing facility.

By centralizing processing facilities in close proximity to the fields where the produce is harvested each season, Taylor Farms is able to process its value-added products within hours of harvesting.

The facilities in Salinas and in Yuma are 571 miles apart, and a team of over 200 people completes the transition in less than 56 hours. To make the move, 1,400 tons of production equipment must be unbolted from the floor, taken apart, loaded on 72 trucks and driven to its destination in Yuma. Upon arrival, each piece of equipment is then unloaded and rebuilt, before being completely cleaned, sterilized and prepared to start processing produce.

“Our team is made up of mechanics, technicians, refrigeration engineers and a wide range of experts on vegetable growing, production and processing,” said Marcus Shebl, vice president of operations at Taylor Farms California, based in Salinas. “We are moving hundreds of pieces customized equipment in a very short time frame. Everyone on the team plays a critical role in making the move a success.”

Now that the plant has transitioned to Yuma for the winter, Taylor Farms California is introducing five new foodservice items to this season’s offerings:

• Mirepoix Kit: diced onions, carrots and celery
• Cauliflower Pearls: bite-size cut cauliflower
• Spinach & Beet Salad: spinach, beets and carrots
• Kale & Beet Salad: kale, beets, carrots and red cabbage
• Just Beets: shredded red beets

“Fall is the season of change, so we are taking this opportunity to change up our offerings with the addition of five fresh, colorful new items,” said Tanya Mason, vice president of business development at Taylor Farms California. “The beet trio, consisting of Spinach & Beet Salad, Kale & Beet Salad and Just Beets, are a wonderful addition to any fall menu. Our Mirepoix Kit is a fresh mix of diced onions, carrots and celery, the flavor base for most turkey stuffing, and is perfect for the holidays. Lastly, our cauliflower pearls are a wonderful substitute to mashed potatoes and are nutritious, on-trend and gluten-free.”