By Agrana Fruit

Agrana Fruit, Brecksville, Ohio, the global leader in the production of fruit preparations for the dairy industry announced the grand opening celebration for its fourth fruit preparation plant in Lysander, N.Y.

Agrana selected Lysander due to its close proximity to the northeast corridor of the United States and Canada, a growing hub for dairy manufacturers. Impressed with the State and County government’s commitment to fuel future growth in the industry, Agrana’s collaboration with respective economic development organizations was instrumental in selecting the twenty-nine acre site.

“Announcing the grand opening of our fourth fruit preparation plant is a testament to the hard working individuals who worked tirelessly to make this day possible. Our plant in Lysander, N.Y. is a state-of-the art facility poised to set the industry standard in relation to quality, innovation, service, and is expected to meet LEED certification requirements. We are looking forward to a fruitful and lasting partnership with the state of New York, the city of Lysander and the surrounding communities” Robert Prendes, president and CEO, Agrana Fruit U.S.

There has been signficant change and growth within the yogurt category, and increased consumer demand has been driven by Greek yogurt. Its triple threat of high protein, indulgent texture and distinctive taste continues to build interest and excitement around the entire category, said Agrana. The company's new $40 million, 107,000-square-foot plant will provide fruit preparations in support of continued growth for the yogurt industry. The new plant in Lysander will start production with 60 employees and is expected to grow.

Agrana officials at its global headquarters in Vienna, Austria, had this to say about the new plant. “This investment in the United States is a thoughtful response to North American market conditions, the growth of the yogurt market reinforces Agrana Fruit U.S.’s commitment to its valued customers and the markets they serve and reflects our confidence in future growth,” said Johannes Kleppers, chairman of the board, Fruit Division.

About Agrana
Agrana is a sugar manufacturer in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, and is also a manufacturer of custom starch products in Europe and largest producer of bioethanol in Austria and Hungary. In its fruit segment, Agrana is the world market leader in the production of fruit preparations as well as one of the largest manufacturers of fruit juice concentrates in Europe. In its 2012|2013 business year, Agrana recorded revenues of approximately EUR 3.1 billion. The company employs around 8,000 personnel at 56 facilities in 26 countries around the world. Corporate headquarters for the Agrana Fruit U.S. subsidiary is located in Brecksville, Ohio with additional manufacturing plants in Botkins, Ohio, Fort Worth, Texas and Centerville, Tenn.

SOURCE: Agrana Fruit