Othello Food Processing Facility Gets State Money

The Washington Commerce Department announced this week $100,000 for the Adams County Economic Development Council to help expand a food processing facility in Othello.  The funds, part of Governor Jay Inslee’s Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund will be used to support the expansion of the SVZ plant.  The Netherlands-based specialty food processor plans to invest $4.8 million in the nearly 20 year old facility.  Company officials said the upgrades will make the Othello plant a state-of-the-art processing facility and add 17 jobs.

The grant from the state will help offset the cost of sewer system improvements required by the city of Othello for the expansion.  This expansion, according to ACED could facilitate future growth.

“SVZ is an important part of the food processing cluster in Othello, and we are pleased to help Adams County Development Council partner with the company to make infrastructure improvements that will strengthen the entire community and prepare for future growth,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown.

“We are excited to have SVZ-USA moving forward with a $4.8 million expansion project that will bring new jobs to the city of Othello and Adams County,” said Adams County Economic Development Director Stephen McFadden.

SVZ-USA specializes in processing fruit and vegetable juices, concentrates and purees for food and beverage manufacturers around the world. The company is recognized globally for sustainability and agronomy management best practices.

“The company is actively involved in our community in multiple ways,” McFadden added. “SVZ employees volunteer with several community organizations, and the company plays an active role in the Othello Career Showcase where we connect students in grades 8 through 12 with local employers to introduce them to the numerous career paths that exist within their hometown.”

“Building and growing a great business requires equally great relationships.  We are very pleased with the relationship we have with The State of Washington, Adams County, and the City of Othello.  The grant funding provided facilitates our expansion, and confirms the business friendly and supportive role of government to our international leadership,” said David E. Stewart, president, SVZ-USA Washington

“In addition to direct employment increases, as our sourcing of raw materials is predominantly local, we look forward to expanding our local sourcing as we partner with farmers for our agro supply needs, increasing by about 30 million pounds with this expansion,’ he added. “Our business success requires long-term relationships with customers, farmers, employees, and the communities in which we operate.”

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