May 10, 2019

BrightFarms to Build Hydroponic Facility in PA

BrightFarms Inc., a supplier of locally grown salads for supermarkets based in Irvington, New York, plans to expand into Pennsylvania by constructing a new hydroponic greenhouse. The project is expected to create more than 50 jobs in  Snyder County.

BrightFarms plans to construct a new, 250,000-square-foot greenhouse operation in Penn Township. The new facility will serve as one of the company’s four primary facilities in the U.S. and will utilize hydroponics to grow its greens and herbs without soil. BrightFarms plans to invest more than $20 million into the project, which is expected to create 54 jobs over the next three years.

“BrightFarms’ expansion into Pennsylvania isn’t just a big deal for the company – it’s a big deal for workers and their families in Snyder County,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. “I’m proud to welcome BrightFarms to the commonwealth and I look forward to seeing them grow their crops and their company here in Pennsylvania.”

“BrightFarms is extremely grateful for the support we have received while searching for our next location in Pennsylvania,” said Paul Lightfoot, CEO of BrightFarms. “This is an exciting chapter for our company as we push forward with our mission of providing more Americans access to the freshest, tastiest and most responsibly grown local produce through their supermarkets. Our next step will be recruiting members of the community to fill over 50 ‘green-collar’ jobs at the greenhouse. These employees will receive competitive pay, industry-leading benefits and world-class training from our team members.”

The company received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development for a $24,300 workforce development grant to help the company train its existing workers. The company was also encouraged to apply for a $2,950,000 low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority to assist with land, machinery, and equipment costs. The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.