Kings River Packing Acquires Visalia Citrus Packing Group’s Operations and Welcomes Mark Cogburn; Brad Bishel, Keith Gardner, and Steve Cutting Comment
SANGER, CA - Kings River Packing’s California citrus season is only months away, and anticipation is mounting. As such, the company is proactively adding resources to increase capacity and provide dedicated resources to expand service to customers. The most recent additions include acquiring Visalia Citrus Packing Group’s (VCPG) packing facilities and operations and its Transportation Coordinator, Mark Cogburn.
“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, [but] it also gives us flexibility in the future to upgrade other facilities as needed without impacting service or quality,” said Brad Bishel, Director of Grower Relations and Family Owner of Kings River Packing.
These additional resources continue to demonstrate the Kings River Packing families’ commitment to superior service and proactive planning as they prepare for the upcoming season, while continuing the legacy for future generations.
“We are blessed to be able to start the season with employees that have expertise and familiarity with the facilities,” Keith Gardner, General Manager and Family Owner of Kings River Packing, noted on the companies’ joint movement going forward.
Steve Cutting also touched on this advantageous move.
“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,” Cutting, President of Visalia Citrus Packing Group, commented in the press release.
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.
With the expansion to five production facilities, the over 200 current employees will continue to operate the facilities when the season begins in October. To help with the transition, Kings River Packing will also be welcoming Cogburn to its team.
“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 the season begins,” commented Cogburn, who is a 36-year veteran in the transportation industry and will help ensure a seamless transition for customers. His 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.
As the citrus season shapes up here in California, stick around for the latest updates.
