Index Fresh, based in Riverside CA, along with Tippmann Innovation of Fort Wayne IN, held a ribbon-cutting for the new Index Fresh avocado distribution facility in Pharr TX recently. The ceremony completes the nearly year-long project that will continue to help Index Fresh expand its market presence in the United States and Mexico.
This new 60,000-plus-square-foot building designed and built by Tippmann is now in full operation, with the facility serving all aspects of Index Fresh’s avocado business. Fully expandable, the plant allows for ripening, storage and distribution all under one roof. The multi-temperature facility has varying temperature zones to accommodate fresh perishables, which allows Index Fresh to satisfy the growing demand for fresh product.
The new Index Fresh facility was built in the city-backed Pharr Produce Park at 1100 West Capote Central Avenue in Pharr. With close access to the border, it allows Index Fresh and other companies positioned in the park to more efficiently move product in and out of Mexico.
“Produce is an economic driver for the city of Pharr, especially given our geographical proximity and ideal location near the US-Mexico border,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez. “Pharr International Bridge has been the leader when it comes to produce trade, accounting for nearly 60% of all fresh produce imported from Mexico crossing into the United States through our bridge. We have a long relationship with Index Fresh and are happy to have solidified our partnership through their investment in opening their first facility in Texas, right here in Pharr.”
“We chose Tippmann after putting the bid out to three companies,” said Dana Thomas, president of Index Fresh. “They were not the least expensive, but they were competitive and I had a comfort level with them.”
Tippmann worked with Index Fresh to design a modern, efficient facility that has the capacity and the flexibility to provide refrigerated service as the needs arise, using advanced technology.
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