Area firm to have $10 million expansion

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DELPHOS — Hydrofresh HPP, an affiliate of Keller Logistics Group, is constructing a $10 million pasteurization plant at 1571 Gressel Drive in Delphos that uses innovative high-pressure processing (HPP) technology.

Unlike traditional pasteurization method which uses heat prior to packaging to eliminate micro bacteria that are present in food, Hydrofresh HPP will be using High-Pressure Processing. HPP is a cold pasteurization technique by which products already sealed in their final packaging are introduced into a vessel and subjected to a high level of isostatic pressure, up to 87,000 psi, transmitted by water. This process produces a 5-log reduction in salmonella, e coli, and listeria (bacteria that causes food borne illness) while preserving the color, texture, nutrients, and flavor of the product. Because the food is treated in its final packaging, the chance for recontamination is virtually non-existent.

Shelf life is also extended because the bacteria that cause spoilage have been destroyed, all without the need for adding preservatives. Products that use this technology include: refrigerated dips, natural lunch meats, cold pressed juices, deli salads, and various other natural products.

“This is exciting, state-of-the-art technology that will aide in the growth of locally produced natural and organic products,” says Hydrofresh HPP President Don Klausing. “HPP is a value-added service that ensures food safety, extends shelf life, preserves the food’s nutritional value, reduces the amount of preservatives needed, and reduces waste. This will be the only High Pressure Processing tolling facility in this part of the country and we are already experiencing tremendous demand for our services.”

HPP equipment is currently being installed in the 36,000-square foot refrigerated warehouse for storage and production. This facility is expected to open in April. Primarily serving the needs of two prominent food processors, the plant will initially run one shift with one machine and approximately 12 employees. Hydrofresh HPP has plans to expand to meet the growing demand for HPP processing and to become the Midwest’s HPP source for all food manufacturers. As business increases, it will add additional machines and shifts which will employ up to 55 employees. Upon completion, the plant will be able to process 60 million pounds of product per year.

“We have many 3PL customers in the food and beverage industry, adding HPP to our suite of services will help our customers, and future customers, meet the growing demand of providing products with small, natural ingredient decks,” said Bryan Keller, president & CEO of Keller Logistics Group. “With the additional square footage available at the Hydrofresh HPP site, we’ll be able to give our customers flexibility in storing their product pre-and- post HPP processing, along with providing a temperature-controlled storage facility for our food customers. Hydrofresh HPP will be the first HPP toll service provider to offer its customers a complete HPP solution; from managing their inbound transportation, HPP product processing, value-added packaging, through cold storage, and distribution.”

Hydrofresh HPP received assistance from the City of Delphos and the state of Ohio in the form of a CDBG grant and road improvements.

“We are very excited to have Hydrofresh HPP choose Delphos as their home,” says Mayor Josh Gillespie. “Hydrofresh HPP will bring a lot of positive things to the community, including jobs and economic development.

“After meeting with the owners, it is obvious that the company will bring a specialized, in-demand process to their industry and the City of Delphos looks forward to a long partnership with them,” Mayor Gillespie added.

For more information on HPP technology, visit Avure Technologies website: https://www.avure-hpp-foods.com/

About Keller Logistics Group: Keller Logistics Group, along with its affiliates: Keller Trucking, Keller Warehousing & Distribution, Keller Freight Solutions, Keller Packaging, and Hydrofresh HPP, is an asset based third party logistics provider (3PL) serving the transportation, contract packaging, and warehousing needs of manufacturers in the food and beverage, consumer products, building materials, and non-ferrous metals industries regionally and nationally.