US almond processor and marketer, Blue Diamond Growers has opened a new energy-saving manufacturing facility in Salida, California as part of its future expansion plans.
The opening ceremony took place on 17 September 2019, where new pasteurisation technology within the 52,000 square foot facility was unveiled.
The new CALGreen facility uses Log5 technology across two of its natural pasteurisation lines – one for processing whole almonds and the other for dry roasting on an integrated line – which according to Blue Diamond is a first for the almond industry.
With a commitment to sustainability, Blue Diamond have incorporated several energy-saving attributes within its facility such as LED lighting, a multi-staged HVAC system, and temperature-controlled processes.
As part of its efforts to meet food safety standards, environmental conditions within the facility will be controlled through separate room enclosures, automated pressurised air and automated controls for all processes and packaging.
Beneath the facility, buried perforated pipe will keep stormwater on-site to recharge the ground water and deliver it directly to the soil. Integrated processing lines will move finished product direct to cold storage and shipping, greatly reducing material handling and trucking costs.
Mark Jansen, president and CEO of Blue Diamond Growers said: “It’s an exciting time for Blue Diamond as we continue to invest in our facilities here in Salida and across the Central Valley to better meet the growing demand for our products worldwide.
“The new building design and innovative processing technology we’re deploying provides the highest quality almonds to our customers and consumers.”
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