With the opening of its Yorkville facility, BrightFarms begins a major expansion plan for 2024, aiming to produce 150 million pounds of pesticide-free leafy greens annually across three new regional hubs.

BrightFarms, a leader in the indoor farming industry, has announced the launch of a new greenhouse hub in Yorkville, Illinois, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion across the Eastern and Central U.S.

The facility, located within the Chicago Metropolitan area, is one of three regional greenhouse hubs set to open in 2024. This expansion will significantly increase BrightFarms’ capacity to grow and distribute fresh, locally-produced leafy greens to consumers, helping to meet the growing demand for pesticide-free produce.

The Yorkville greenhouse is part of BrightFarms’ larger plan to boost its production, with the company aiming to triple its current output. The three new hubs in Illinois, Georgia, and Texas will collectively add nearly 100 acres of indoor growing space, enabling the company to produce 150 million pounds of leafy greens annually.

This ambitious move positions BrightFarms to better serve over two-thirds of the U.S. population. As the first of the three greenhouses to open, the Yorkville facility is expected to have an immediate impact, providing fresh, pesticide-free leafy greens to the local Chicagoland community year-round.

The company’s growth is backed by advanced technology and sustainability initiatives. BrightFarms’ state-of-the-art production facilities feature KUBO’s Ultra-Clima greenhouse technology, which allows the company to maintain an optimal growing environment throughout the year, regardless of external weather conditions.

This innovative approach ensures that consumers have access to fresh produce in any season, an important selling point in regions with extreme weather fluctuations like Chicago. Residents can already find BrightFarms’ products at local retailers, including Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, and Pick N Save.

Mayor John Purcell of Yorkville expressed excitement about the opening of the new facility, noting the benefits it brings to the local community. “We are thrilled to welcome BrightFarms to our community, providing fresh, local, and pesticide-free leafy greens to the Chicagoland area year-round,” Purcell said. “No matter if it’s the heat of summer or the chill of a Chicago winter, it’s incredible to know that our lettuce is grown right here in Yorkville, delivering farm-fresh quality directly to our tables.”

BrightFarms’ ambitious growth plan is supported by Cox Enterprises, which became the majority investor in the company in 2020 and fully acquired it in 2021. Cox has a strong commitment to sustainability and has invested over $2 billion in eco-friendly businesses and technologies. Through its venture Cox Farms, the company aims to transform the agricultural sector by focusing on controlled environment agriculture. “Cox Farms is building the leading indoor farming company in North America, and BrightFarms is a cornerstone of that effort,” said Steve Bradley, President of Cox Farms.

According to a press release, BrightFarms’ new facilities will significantly expand its production capabilities, further solidifying its position as a top player in the indoor farming industry. With the construction of additional greenhouse hubs in Macon, Georgia, and Lorena, Texas already underway, the company is on track to complete these projects by the end of the year. Once fully operational, these greenhouses will help the company meet its goal of generating over $300 million in revenue by 2026.