Fruit processor Northwest Packing Co. will continue to call Southwest Washington its home for the foreseeable future.
On Tuesday night, Port of Vancouver USA commissioners approved a decade-long lease extension with the company, which is owned by Neil Jones Food Co. The move comes after more than three years of negotiations between Northwest Packing and the port.
“I’m pleased,” said Commission President Nancy Baker in a press release. “Keeping Northwest Pack here in this community is valuable to our community and valuable to the port, and I’m just delighted that this has come to a successful conclusion.”
The new lease includes three five-year options for Northwest Packing to renew beyond the initial 10-year term. The company also has the option to end its lease in 2019 if business needs require relocation outside Clark County.
“We’re proud to be a significant anchor to Clark County’s economy, providing stable employment for local residents over the last 43 years,” said Northwest Packing President and CEO Matt Jones. “It is our hope that this agreement ensures that Neil Jones Food Company – Northwest Packing – can continue to play a vital role in the Clark County economy.”
Northwest Packing is the only fruit processing operation at the port and one of only three similar companies in the Pacific Northwest. The company employs the equivalent of 500 full-time workers annually.
