Orlando, Fla.-based vertical farming company Kalera said it will begin construction on a facility in the Columbus, Ohio area, set to open in 2021.
The facility will generate about 65 jobs, according to a news release.
“With most of the nation’s greens grown on the West Coast, we’re thrilled to be able to provide Midwest customers year-round access to hyper-local produce,” Daniel Malechuk, Kalera CEO, said in the release. “With our centrally located farm facility, we are able to reduce travel times from days and weeks to mere hours. We’re proud and excited for our Midwest customers to experience the enhanced flavor and nutrition profile of greens that are picked and delivered at the height of freshness.”
The announcement of the Columbus facility, according to the release, comes just after a series of announcements made by Kalera, including new facilities to be built in Atlanta, Houston, Denver, and Seattle, and the completion of over $150 million in fundraising in 2020.
Kalera is slated to have seven commercial growing facilities open and operating across the U.S. by the end of next year, according to the release. Kalera, the company said, currently operates two growing facilities in Orlando, and is constructing facilities in Atlanta, Houston, Seattle, and Denver which will also open in 2021.
Kalera utilizes cleanroom technology and processes to eliminate the use of chemicals and remove exposure to pathogens, according to the company. Kalera’s plants grow while consuming 95% less water compared to field farming, according to the release.
“We welcome Kalera’s plans for its first investment in Ohio, which brings an innovative hydroponic agriculture operation and 65 new jobs to the Columbus Region,” J.P. Nauseef, CEO and president of JobsOhio, said in the release. “Demand for Kalera’s non-GMO produce has soared, and Ohio talent at this advanced facility will utilize the latest in vertical hydroponic farming technology to expand its growing U.S. customer base.”
