Yakima County Gets Funding for Manzana Apple Facility

Here comes a bunch of new jobs in Yakima County. That's because state money is on it's way to Yakima County to help to improve site readiness at a new Manzana Products Co. apple products processing plant in Sunnyside.

THE GOVERNOR DIRECTING THE MONEY

A press release says Governor Bob Ferguson has directed the Washington State Department of Commerce to make three awards totaling $700,000 from the Governor’s Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund. The money for Yakima County will help create 270 new jobs in the Sunnyside area. Ferguson says the money coupled with private investment will make the "Washington's economy stronger" especially in rural and underserved communities. He says the money also supports key industries in the state as well. Other investments are being made in Clallam and Spokane counties.

Get our free mobile app

IF YOU PLAY LOTTO YOU HELP FUND THE FUND

If you play the state's lotto you're helping because funding for the Strategic Reserve Fund comes from unclaimed lottery prize money. The money is limited to projects that deliver significant job creation and capital investment and must be coupled with private investment. “The Strategic Reserve Fund is a key resource for boosting economic growth and keeping Washington an attractive place for businesses,” says Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn.

AN IMPROVED SITE TO CREATE JOBS

The money in Yakima will be used to upgrade a site in Sunnyside for the new apple plant which is expected to produce organic juices, sauces and cider vinegar. The press release Manzana is leasing and developing a more than 275,000 square-foot facility which was formerly the site of Seneca Foods.
Production is expected to start later this year
The average entry-level salary at the new facility will exceed local wages and include benefits. Local apple growers will also gain from having a stable buyer, further boosting Washington’s agricultural economy.