Caledonia Argus

Sno-Pac begins expansion project

Posted: 8/19/03

An expansion of the Sno-Pac Foods processing facility at 521 W. Enterprise Drive in Caledonia is underway. The addition will provide additional freezer and warehouse space for the company, which grows, processes and packages organic vegetables. Itís the first of what is expected to be a two-phase project to bring the majority of the operation to one location. The first phase of the expansion is expected to add two full-time jobs to the Sno-Pac payroll. It will increase storage capacity from 30 pallets to 400 pallets.

The $550,000 project was aided with financing from Eitzen State Bank, an EDA revolving loan from Tri-County Electric and tax abatements from both the City of Caledonia and Houston County.

The Sno-Pac brand was established by Leonard Gengler in 1943, who raised vegetables and sold them directly to consumers and grocery stores in the area. It was continued by Ramon (Ray) Gengler, whose widow, Darlene Rommes, and sons Peter and Nick, operate the business today. They have 21 full-time and two part-time employees.

The new facility is expected to be in operation by the end of the year.

Phase II of the project will be the addition of a packaging plant which will make use of the additional freezer space and add a packaging line for the firmís private label vegetable business. The firm expects to add several more employees after the completion of phase II.

Nelson Construction of Caledonia is the contractor on the project.

Joyce Iverson, Caledonia Community Development Director, assisted the firm in arranging a portion of the financing in the form of tax abatements and a revolving loan.

Top of Page