Here We Grow Again!
This article originally appeared in andnowuknow. Click here to read the original article.
COLUMBUS, OH - COLUMBUS, OH - Showcasing its commitment to its growth, its partners, and its customers, DNO Produce has started the expansion of its fresh-cut produce facility. Through this project, the wholesaler will increase its production capacity by 33 percent with additional space, an improved layout, and process improvements.
“This is an investment in our clients and our company and our community,” said President and Chief Operating Officer Alex DiNovo. “As the demand for our school foodservice offerings continues to grow, we are implementing new technologies to make our operations more efficient, add meaningful job opportunities in east Columbus, and provide a top-quality product.”
DNO’s latest expansion will implement new processing and packaging technologies while simultaneously streamlining its fresh-cut packaging lines, a press release explained. With these developments in place, the company will introduce new and innovative products through its FRESHEALTH private label, which is most well-known within federal nutrition programs and K–12 food service.
“It is so exciting to see this place keep growing,” said Laura Aguilar, a 21-year veteran of the DNO and FRESHEALTH teams. “When I first started working here, there were just a few of us in one small building. Now, we have nearly 200 people. We have come a long way and learned a lot. What I appreciate most is working for a family company that is excited about providing good food for children.”
Already having broken ground on this expansion, it is expected to be complete by August 2022.
The above article originally appeared in andnowuknow. Check out more news coverage of the Fresh-Cut Expansion below!
Columbus Business First: DNO Produce expanding, upgrading production capabilities
The Packer: DNO Produce breaks ground on fresh-cut facility expansion
Perishable News: DNO Produce Breaks Ground on Fresh-Cut Facility Expansion
Blue Book Services: DNO Produce breaks ground on fresh-cut facility expansion
This image, provided by the architects for the project, demonstrates the completed facility. The groundbreaking was in early April 2022 and construction began shortly thereafter. The expansion is expected to be complete by August of 2022.
Expansion Group Photo: DNO Produce leadership and long-serving associates at the construction site for the expanded fresh-cut facility. From left to right: Mark Dabbelt (5 years), Juana Gonzalez (5 years), Procoro “Manny” Mendoza (11 years), Jeremy Taylor (7 years), Tony DiNovo (33 years), Alex DiNovo (33 years), Dave Thomas (11 years), Laura Aguilar (21 years), Brian Ricciardo (5 years), and Rachael Brooks (9 years). DNO employees nearly 200 associates, with the majority from Columbus’ east side. The expanded facility is designed to meet the demand of DNO’s growing fresh-cut produce category and will accommodate a 33% increase in DNO’s production capacity.