Sep 19, 2024BrightFarms opens greenhouse in Yorkville, Illinois
BrightFarms, an in indoor farming operations, has opened a new greenhouse hub in Yorkville, Illinois, marking the first of three regional hubs to launch in 2024.
The facility, located in the Chicago metropolitan area, adds 32 acres of growing space, boosting BrightFarms’ capacity to meet rising demand for fresh, locally grown leafy greens.
“Our expansion marks a pivotal moment for us after more than a decade of growth,” said Steve Platt, CEO for BrightFarms.
The company expects to produce 150 million pounds of leafy greens annually, with additional hubs under construction in Texas and Georgia.
Yorkville Mayor John Purcell expressed excitement about the greenhouse. “No matter if it’s the heat of summer or the chill of a Chicago winter, it’s incredible to know that our lettuce is grown right here in Yorkville,” he said.
The new facility will supply pesticide-free greens to local stores, including Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s.
Cox Enterprises, which fully acquired BrightFarms in 2021, has invested heavily in the expansion, aiming for more than $300 million in revenue by 2026.