BrightFarms expands indoor farming with new greenhouse in Yorkville, Illinois
BrightFarms has launched a 32-acre greenhouse in Yorkville, Illinois, that is located in the Chicago metro area.
This is the first of three regional hubs BrightFarms plans to open in 2024. These expansions are expected to significantly boost the company’s capacity to supply fresh, locally grown leafy greens across the Eastern and Central U.S.
“Our expansion marks a pivotal moment for us after more than a decade of growth,” Platt said. The company aims to produce 150 million pounds of leafy greens annually with the help of the new greenhouses in Illinois, Texas and Georgia.
The Yorkville hub features advanced technology, including KUBO’s Ultra-Clima system, which optimizes climate control year-round. The greenhouse will supply pesticide-free greens to local grocery stores such as Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s.
Yorkville Mayor John Purcell welcomed the addition to the community, noting the year-round availability of fresh, locally grown produce. “No matter if it’s the heat of summer or the chill of a Chicago winter, it’s incredible to know that our lettuce is grown right here in Yorkville,” Purcell said.
The company’s owner, Cox Enterprises, has invested over $2 billion in sustainable businesses. With its continued expansion, BrightFarms is set to serve over two-thirds of the U.S. population by 2026, with projected revenue of over $300 million.