LORENA, Texas — Bright Farms announced the ground breaking of their greenhouse hub in Lorena on Tuesday, June 13.
The company is responsible for growing fresh produce like greens and lettuce locally and selling those greens nationwide.
Bright Farm hubs can be seen around the U.S. in states like Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
Chief Operating Officer John Schaefer says Lorena's location is one of the many reasons the company chose Lorena over a handful of other Texas towns.
"We really like Lorena just because of the position of it in the country," Schaefer explained. "It's close to three large cities and it's got a great transportation network. It's just so great to be here from a community standpoint."
Bright Farms prides themselves on growing all of their produce locally and supporting economic growth.
Lorena Mayor Tommy Ross shared how bringing this company to Lorena will bring in a total of 255 jobs to Central Texans.
"The management wages will be really good so we're excited about that," Ross mentioned. "It will be our second largest employer at full staff and will bring in great revenue as far as property tax, sales tax."
Bright Farms is a part of a broad expansion plan for the city.
"We've got a Roadster Travel Center under construction near the hub that will also bring in many jobs. We are excited about the growth of Lorena."
Phase one of the construction process is expected to begin in late June and will cost approximately $100 million.
There are four phases to building Bright Farm so this project will cost the company at least $400 million.
Schaefer says they expect to have the hub open in August or September of 2024.