Coast Packing Company recently broke ground on a state-of-the-art new edible fats and oils refinery and packaging facility in Amarillo, Texas, in a milestone step forward in the California-based company’s U.S. expansion.
The new facility is slated to open in the summer of 2026, Coast Packing reported.
“This groundbreaking marks not just the start of construction, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Coast Packing Company and the Amarillo community,” Coast Packing CEO Eric R. Gustafson said in a news release. “For over a century, Coast has been committed to quality, innovation, and tradition in the food industry. Our new state-of-the-art facility in Amarillo will allow us to continue leading the industry in animal fat shortenings while creating new opportunities for local families, supporting economic growth, and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
“We are honored to partner with this vibrant community and look forward to many successful years ahead.”
The ceremony featured remarks from industry and community leaders, including Doug Nelson, Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) senior vice president; Hollie Shankle, AEDC VP; Cole Stanley, Amarillo mayor; Nancy Tanner, Potter County judge; and Greg Longstreet, Del Monte Foods president and CEO, and Coast Packing advisory board member.
“Coast’s new facility will create new opportunities for our workforce, contribute to economic growth, and further solidify Amarillo’s reputation as a prime location for business expansion,” Stanley said. “We are thrilled to welcome Coast Packing Company to Amarillo. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability aligns perfectly with the values of our community.”
The project is expected to create 30 jobs initially, with plans to expand to 60 in coming years, providing a boost to the local economy, supporters said. The facility also is expected to modernize operations, enhance efficiency, and reinforce Coast Packing’s position as a leading supplier of animal fat shortenings.
Designed and built in partnership with Food Tech, the new facility will include cutting-edge components. The dedicated refinery building will be a 10,000-sq.-ft., four-level steel structure with insulated panels reaching 80 ft. in height. The boiler house will be constructed of CMU block, and the tank farm will feature 12 30-ft.-tall carbon steel tanks for storing raw materials delivered via a new rail siding. The packaging and warehouse building will span 36,000 sq. ft. and house packing operations and office space.
This building will be constructed with tilt-up concrete walls and designed to meet high safety and sanitary standards.