Leading Plant-Based Food and Beverage Company Brings Storage and Distribution In-House with the Opening of its New Alexandria Warehouse, Aiding in Plant Production Growth and Improving its Sustainability Impact
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN (October 26, 2023) — SunOpta (Nasdaq: STKL) (TSX: SOY), a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based foods and beverages, opened a new warehouse in Alexandria, Minnesota that marks a significant step in SunOpta's ongoing commitment to enhancing its storage and distribution capabilities while aligning with the company's ambitious growth targets. The opening of this warehouse brings SunOpta's distribution operations completely in-house and consolidates three sites in Alexandria to one. The new warehouse will hold finished goods, raw materials and ingredients and will improve overall customer service and expand SunOpta's handling and storage capabilities.
"This new warehouse plays a pivotal role in SunOpta's long-term strategy and aligns seamlessly with our company goals to double our plant-based business by 2025 and drive sales to $2 billion by 2030,” said Joe Ennen, CEO of SunOpta. “With cutting-edge infrastructure and equipment, this new warehouse is poised to consolidate our operations, as well as improve our sustainability impact by reducing mileage and associated fuel costs with distribution. As Minnesota is home to our headquarters, we are encouraged to continue expanding in this area, and are empowered to meet the growing demand for plant-based food and beverage offerings.”
This impressive $31 million, 252,000-square-foot warehouse will play a crucial role in supporting SunOpta's production of plant-based milks and creamers. The company anticipates cost savings between $60-$250k per year with the new warehouse, along with a significant reduction of at least 5,000 gallons of consumed diesel and over 100,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually when compared to the current network. The warehouse offers an impressive capacity of approximately 20,000 pallet positions and was constructed with the foresight for future expansion, allowing for an additional 75,000 square feet of space. This approach ensures that the warehouse can quickly adapt to the growing demands of the business, providing flexibility and efficiency for years to come.
The warehouse is anticipated to employ a workforce of approximately eight to ten individuals and within the first two years of its opening, SunOpta plans to bring on board a minimum of five additional full-time employees to provide further essential support. The warehouse is located at 2930 34th Avenue West in Alexandria, Minnesota.
SunOpta celebrated the opening of its new Alexandria warehouse on October 26, 2023 with a tree planting ceremony to commemorate the growth, collaboration, and commitment to sustainability this new warehouse will uphold.
For more information on SunOpta, visit sunopta.com and follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About SunOpta, Inc.
SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based foods and beverages. Founded nearly 50 years ago, SunOpta manufactures natural, organic and specialty products sold through retail and foodservice channels. SunOpta operates as a manufacturer for leading natural and private label brands, and also proudly produces its own brands, including Sown®, Dream® and West Life™. For more information, visit www.sunopta.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN (October 26, 2023) — SunOpta (Nasdaq: STKL) (TSX: SOY), a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based foods and beverages, opened a new warehouse in Alexandria, Minnesota that marks a significant step in SunOpta's ongoing commitment to enhancing its storage and distribution capabilities while aligning with the company's ambitious growth targets. The opening of this warehouse brings SunOpta's distribution operations completely in-house and consolidates three sites in Alexandria to one. The new warehouse will hold finished goods, raw materials and ingredients and will improve overall customer service and expand SunOpta's handling and storage capabilities.
"This new warehouse plays a pivotal role in SunOpta's long-term strategy and aligns seamlessly with our company goals to double our plant-based business by 2025 and drive sales to $2 billion by 2030,” said Joe Ennen, CEO of SunOpta. “With cutting-edge infrastructure and equipment, this new warehouse is poised to consolidate our operations, as well as improve our sustainability impact by reducing mileage and associated fuel costs with distribution. As Minnesota is home to our headquarters, we are encouraged to continue expanding in this area, and are empowered to meet the growing demand for plant-based food and beverage offerings.”
This impressive $31 million, 252,000-square-foot warehouse will play a crucial role in supporting SunOpta's production of plant-based milks and creamers. The company anticipates cost savings between $60-$250k per year with the new warehouse, along with a significant reduction of at least 5,000 gallons of consumed diesel and over 100,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually when compared to the current network. The warehouse offers an impressive capacity of approximately 20,000 pallet positions and was constructed with the foresight for future expansion, allowing for an additional 75,000 square feet of space. This approach ensures that the warehouse can quickly adapt to the growing demands of the business, providing flexibility and efficiency for years to come.
The warehouse is anticipated to employ a workforce of approximately eight to ten individuals and within the first two years of its opening, SunOpta plans to bring on board a minimum of five additional full-time employees to provide further essential support. The warehouse is located at 2930 34th Avenue West in Alexandria, Minnesota.
SunOpta celebrated the opening of its new Alexandria warehouse on October 26, 2023 with a tree planting ceremony to commemorate the growth, collaboration, and commitment to sustainability this new warehouse will uphold.
For more information on SunOpta, visit sunopta.com and follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About SunOpta, Inc.
SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based foods and beverages. Founded nearly 50 years ago, SunOpta manufactures natural, organic and specialty products sold through retail and foodservice channels. SunOpta operates as a manufacturer for leading natural and private label brands, and also proudly produces its own brands, including Sown®, Dream® and West Life™. For more information, visit www.sunopta.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.