Apr 22, 2011

Shoreline Fruit receives ag processing renaissance zone approval

Shoreline Fruit, a grower, processor and marketer of premium cherry products and other dried fruits, announced that Gov. Rick Snyder approved the establishment of an Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zone (APRZ) for the expansion of Shoreline Fruit’s processing facility in Acme Township, Mich.

This Zone classification was a critical first step in Shoreline’s estimated $ 7.5 million expansion plan for its current processing facility in Yuba, Mich. The APRZ designation waives most state and local taxes for up to 15 years, for the expanded area of the plant only, and it is estimated that it will provide the company with up to an additional $1.9 million to invest in its ongoing operations.

“We appreciate the support of Acme Township, Grand Traverse County and the state of Michigan in securing this approval," said Ken Swanson, Shoreline Fruit CEO. "It was critically important for our expansion plan and it demonstrates an increasing recognition of the significant impact agriculture has on our state’s current and future economic success."

The expansion will add up to 43,000 square feet to Shoreline’s existing facility in Yuba, Mich. and will significantly increase the company’s capacity. Shoreline expects to break ground on the project as soon as the design and engineering details are finalized. Projections call for the expanded facility to utilize more than 50 million pounds of cherries annually.

“We’re extremely excited about the growth of our company and the opportunity to invest in expanding our processing operations here in northern Michigan," Swanson said. "The increased capacity should allow us to create over 45 local jobs over the next five years and to support our local agricultural community."

For more information, visit www.shorelinefruit.com.