BOISE, Idaho — The JC Watson Packing Company, accompanied by City of Wilder officials, held a groundbreaking Thursday to celebrate the construction of a new onion packing plant.
JC Watson President Brad Watson told KTVB Wilder is a small town, but agriculture is a huge part of its economy and history, and onions are one of the biggest crops in the area. He emphasized that the planned 70,000-square-foot building would help the local economy by employing 30 people and extending the onion-growing season in the Treasure Valley.
"This facility will [produce] four to five million 50-pound bags in a year," Watson said.
Officials said the company invested $32 million in its construction, and the building would give them 30% more capacity to package and sort onions.
"This investment not only strengthens our supply chain but also reinforces our dedication to the agricultural heritage of Idaho and the prosperity of our local communities," VP of JC Watson Emily Watson said.
The company's president told KTVB that within a few years, they would incrementally add to the building when needed, and the facility should last roughly 25 years.
The construction of the building is set to officially begin in a week, and the project is expected to be finished in February 2025, per JC Watson Co.
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