Canada-based BC Tree Fruits Cooperative announced plans to expand its Winfield, Canada, packinghouse to allow space for a new apple bagging line. If approved, the new line would be designed, installed and ready for operation prior to the 2017 apple crop starting this upcoming fall.

This new line is projected to expand the packing capacity by 30% and provide 66 new jobs.

“We are excited to begin the work on this expansion,” says Stan Swales, chief executive officer. “This facility handles the majority of our grower member’s apples grown in the Kelowna and Vernon area, so this expansion is imperative to ensure the quality and packing capacity of locally grown apples.”

The Winfield packinghouse only handles apples during the entire crop season (fall into the following spring).