Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012

 New Merced processing plant expected to bring 100 seasonal/30 full-time jobs

By JOSHUA EMERSON SMITH - jsmith@mercedsun-star.com

The city of Merced announced Wednesday the addition of a new processing plant, expected to bring in about 100 seasonal and 30 full-time jobs.

Cascade's White Oak Frozen Foods Division will be relocating to an industrial building at 2525 Cooper Ave. once upgrades to the facility are complete, company leaders announced.

"The site and the availability of people here, the talent made it very attractive to us," said Dan Wilkinson, vice-president. "We looked at several other sites in California but finally decided on Merced as the best location for all of the things we want to do in the future."

The company, which will relocate from Newman, produces reduced-moisture frozen vegetables, like tomatoes, peppers, onions, which are used in food products such as salsa and frozen pizzas.

"We'll do some innovation here with new technology and new processing that will help sustain our growth," Wilkinson said. The facility represents a "multi-million-dollar investment" in the community, City Manager John Bramble.

More information on this breaking news story will be included in Thursday's Sun-Star.

Read more here: http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2012/08/29/2503909/new-merced-processing-plant-expected.html#storylink=cpy