The distribution center — which is the tallest building in Salina at 144 feet — includes a 38,000-pallet-position racking system with three automated pallet cranes, 12 loading docks and office space.
The facility is expected to produce thousands of metric tons of biomass annually — enabling the delivery of hundreds of metric tons of protein per year.
Located on William J. Clark Drive in Conway, Ark., the 525,000-sq.-ft. facility will manufacture single-serve coffee products and potentially expand into additional product formats in the future.
The facility, which is operated by WSP and dedicated to Chomps production, is expected to create approximately 250 full-time jobs, contributing to the local economy and surrounding areas.
The center creates skilled jobs in Janesville, including engineering and scientific roles, and complements GEA’s existing operations in the city, where 74 employees work at its Separation & Flow Technologies facility.
CMI supported over 350 construction-related jobs during the development of the plant and expects to add an additional 150 jobs once the facility opens in the fall.