PEORIA, IL – SunSelect Produce and Caterpillar are joining forces on a new project that will utilize waste from a power generation plant to maximize plant production in a new hydroponic greenhouse facility.

As part of the collaboration, SunSelect will purchase real estate adjacent to Caterpillar’s energy generation facility, Advanced Tri-Gen Power Systems (ATPS) in Mossville, Illinois, to construct a hydroponic greenhouse, according to a press release. The greenhouse will use excess thermal energy and carbon dioxide from ATPS’s natural gas fired turbines, which will enhance plant production and allow for more efficient use of Caterpillar’s power generation plant.

Once fully operational, the year-round greenhouse operation will add up to 300 permanent local jobs and serve as SunSelect’s Midwest hub for both production and distribution.

“This collaboration is a significant step in our long-term growth strategy,” said Reinhold Krahn, Director of SunSelect. “Building on our existing distribution footprint, this Midwest base will allow us to expand our ability to grow fresh and healthy vegetables, safely and responsibly, on the smallest amount of land possible.”

Frank Crespo, Caterpillar’s Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer with responsibility for ATPS, couldn’t agree more on the benefits this project will bring to both companies and the area itself.

“We’re optimistic about what this project will mean for our local community, bringing new jobs to the area and a new options for locally-grown produce to consumers,” said Crespo. “This project also perfectly exemplifies Caterpillar’s commitment to sustainability – which seeks a balance of environmental stewardship, economic growth, and social responsibility.”

The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016 and is subject to permitting, regulatory approvals, satisfactory due diligence, and other required steps.

SunSelect Produce Caterpillar Inc.