BC Tree Fruits Cooperative has announced the expansion of the Winfield packinghouse.

The facility is applying to expand to allow space for a new apple bagging line. If approved by Lake Country council, the new line would be designed, installed and ready for operation prior to the 2017 apple crop starting this upcoming fall.

鈥淲e are excited to begin the work on this expansion,鈥� said BC Tree Fruits CEO Stan Swales. 鈥淭his facility handles the majority of our grower member鈥檚 apples grown in the 琉璃神社 and Vernon area so this expansion is imperative to ensure the quality and packing capacity of locally grown apples.鈥�

A leader within the industry in Western Canada the new line will allow BC Tree Fruits to expand the packing capacity by 30 per cent. The construction and installation of this new line will provide 66 new jobs to the District of Lake Country and helps ensure locally grown, premium apples continue to be handled and packed by local employees.

The Winfield packinghouse is one of four packinghouse facilities for BC Tree Fruits and only handles apples during the entire crop season (fall into the following spring).

The other three facilities are located in 琉璃神社, Oliver and Osoyoos.