Stellar, Jacksonville, Fla., said it expects by next fall to complete a 225,000-square-foot frozen entree plant forH.J. Heinz Co. in Florence, S.C. The operation will produce frozen entrees and meals under the Smart Ones and Boston Market brands.
Officials says the processing, distribution and packaging operation "was needed due to Heinz's growth in its frozen meal division." The plant will feature insulated metal panel walls and a single-ply membrane roof. Inside, the operation will house several processing rooms, packaging and palletizing rooms, dry storage, a -10F freezer, refrigerated shipping docks, spiral freezers and a two-story welfare area.
"Food facilities have unique challenges and requirements including stringent food safety and quality assurance," said Sam Casey, director of engineering for Heinz North America. "We trust Stellar to successfully deliver on each of these requirements."