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Fresh Mark to begin Salem plant expansion

By MORGAN AHART 2 min read

SALEM -- Fresh Mark will begin work on a new expansion to its Salem plant next month, according to a press release.

The 38,000-square-foot expansion, due to begin construction in January, is expected to be fully operational in July. It will house upgraded packaging lines to support workers and promote continued advancements in production technology. This expansion has been a year in the making, according to the release, with the creation of "a new truck drive that routes traffic away from the employee entrance" and the implementation of additional infrastructure in a "key area."

According to the release, the expansion "will add 50 jobs to the Salem facility by year-end, bringing the total number of employees to nearly 800," and will use local contractors "for all elements of the construction."

"We are excited about the expansion of our Salem facility, by continuing to grow and leverage production technology, we are ensuring that our location and our employees are set up for future success," said Vice President of Corporate Responsibility Alicia Pucky.

Fresh Mark will also be adding additional "employee connection areas" to the facility, which are expected to be completed within the next 18 months, and will include new locker rooms and break and lunch areas equipped with Fresh Mark's "newest Market C concept" as part of a partnership with AVI Food Systems.

"These investments show Fresh Mark's dedication and support of our employees and the Salem community. I am proud of the work we are doing in Salem and throughout Fresh Mark to enhance the well-being of our people," said Pucky.

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