Beverages Are Booming: SunOpta, Now Part of Refresco, Expands Production in Midlothian

New manufacturing line boosts capacity for SunOpta’s beverages, broths and teas

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunOpta, a Refresco company that delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths and better-for-you snacks, today announced the opening of a newly expanded production line for beverages at its Midlothian, Texas facility to meet increased customer demand.

The expansion, a fourth production line, represents an investment of $35 million and is expected to increase network capacity by 10%. The expansion will also geographically locate production closer to distribution for SunOpta customers.

“Demand for plant-based milks and creamers, tea and broths in various formats is increasing, and the Midlothian expansion positions us to meet that momentum head-on,” said Brian Kocher, Chief Executive Officer of SunOpta. “By investing in our existing footprint and capabilities, we’re strengthening our ability to support customers with the scale, flexibility and reliability they need today and well into the future.”

SunOpta’s expansion at its Midlothian plant is part of the company’s original vision for Texas production. The company opened its plant-based beverage manufacturing plant in Midlothian in winter 2023. The facility produces plant-based milks and creamers, along with tea and broths. The original 285,000-square-foot facility accommodated a variety of package sizes and configurations including for foodservice, shelf-stable retail and e-commerce, and was built with the potential to expand to 400,000 square feet.

The new, fourth line adds increased capacity to optimize production for current customers and take on new customers, and supply chain resilience for the company. In addition to 16-oz, 32-oz, and 330-ml packages, this new line will allow SunOpta to produce 32-ounce “Edge” style packaging and half-gallon formats at its Midlothian facility.

The Midlothian plant was designed with SunOpta’s sustainability objectives in mind, reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, efficiently utilizing power and using recycled materials. The facility is equipped with water reuse equipment that can save up to 20 million gallons of water a year, an energy-efficient HVAC system that reduces energy consumption by 45%, LED lights and water heaters that reduce power usage by 95% and offices and labs constructed with at least 40% recyclable materials.

As Refresco’s most recent acquisition, SunOpta operates seven manufacturing facilities in six markets, creating access and efficiency for its customers. SunOpta employs more than 220 people at its Midlothian facility.

“At Midlothian, we take pride in turning growth opportunities into results,” said Plant Director Nick Muzzin. “This expansion reflects the dedication of our team and our ability to deliver high-quality plant-based milks and creamers, tea and broths at scale. We’re excited to support our customers as they grow and to help bring more of these products to consumers every day.”

SunOpta joined Refresco through an acquisition that supports future growth across the U.S. co-manufacturer’s facilities and broadens its ability to meet evolving customer needs in beverages, plant-based beverages and better-for-you products.

About SunOpta Inc.

SunOpta, a Refresco company, delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels across North America. For more information, visit www.sunopta.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Refresco

Refresco is the leading independent beverage solutions provider for preeminent global and local beverage brands, with production in North America, Europe, and Australia. Refresco offers an extensive range of product and packaging combinations from carbonated soft drinks, juices, RTD teas and mineral waters to energy drinks, sports drinks and plant-based beverages in carton, (Aseptic) PET, cans and glass. Refresco continuously searches for new and alternative ways to improve the quality of its products and packaging combinations in line with consumer and customer demand and environmental responsibilities. Refresco is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and has more than 16,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.refresco.com.