SANGER, CA, August 4, 2023 – With the California citrus season only months away, the families of Kings River Packing, LP BB #:115305 are proactively adding resources to increase capacity and provide dedicated resources to expand service to customers. The most recent additions include the acquisition of Visalia Citrus Packing Group, Inc.’s BB #:199379 packing facilities and operations and Transportation Coordinator, Mark Cogburn.
“This day opens a new chapter for VCPG. We are very excited to be associated with the Kings River family and the opportunities that it brings us.” Steve Cutting, President, Visalia Citrus Packing Group, Inc. The acquisition of VCPG’s packing operations includes two packing facilities, one upgraded facility in Woodlake and a brand-new state-of-the-art facility in Orange Cove.
Along with the facilities, the over 200 current employees will continue to operate the facilities when the season begins in October. “We are blessed to be able to start the season with employees that have expertise and familiarity with the facilities.” Keith Gardner, GM and Family Owner of Kings River Packing.
With expansion to five production facilities, the families welcomed Mark Cogburn, a 36-year veteran in the transportation industry, to the team to ensure a seamless transition for customers.
Mark’s team is focused on overseeing transfers between facilities to ensure customers are only receiving one pick up location and the added service of delivered loads at competitive rates. “We understand the challenges that multiple facilities bring and have been proactive in planning and execution so that our customers don’t feel the impact when season begins.” Mark Cogburn, Transportation Coordinator.
These additional resources continue to demonstrate the families’ commitment to superior service and proactive planning as they prepare for the upcoming season and continuing the legacy of Kings River Packing for future generations. “We are excited for the opportunity to add additional state-of-the-art packing facilities to our capabilities with the acquisition of VCPG’s packing operations. Not only does it provide additional capacity for larger retail partnerships, it also gives us flexibility in the future to upgrade other facilities as needed without impacting service or quality.” says Brad Bishel, Director of Grower Relations and Family Owner of Kings River Packing.
Visalia Citrus Packing Group, Inc.
Visalia Citrus Packing Group, Inc. has been in the citrus growing and commercial packing business for almost 80 years. During that time the organization’s operations have expanded to include two major citrus packinghouse operations and ownership of approximately 820 acres of citrus orchards. The company provides a broad range of services to citrus growers, including custom farming, citrus production support, harvesting and hauling, processing, packing, and shipping. Since inception, all citrus fruit handled by VCPG has been marketed through Sunkist Growers, Inc.
Kings River Packing, LP
Kings River Packing, LP is a family-owned business that has been growing citrus for over 8 generations. Located in the San Joaquin Valley of California, our company is proud to be a grower, packer, and shipper of quality citrus where the founding family still oversees operations across departments. Learn more about our story at www.kingorange.com or follow @KingsRiverPacking on Instagram.
