BrightFarms, a leader in the indoor farming sector, has officially opened its first greenhouse in Texas, marking a significant expansion of its operations.
This new facility in Lorena, Texas, represents the company’s second of three regional hubs set to launch in 2024. With this new greenhouse, BrightFarms is introducing fresh, locally grown leafy greens to the South Central and Southwest regions, a first for the company in these areas.
The company aims to provide Texans with year-round access to high-quality produce, cultivated with cutting-edge farming technology designed to withstand the state’s harsh climate.
The Lorena greenhouse, covering 1.5 million square feet upon completion, will incorporate advanced cooling technologies, including KUBO’s Ultra-Clima system. This innovation allows the greenhouse to maintain optimal growing conditions regardless of the external weather, ensuring the production of fresh greens throughout the year.
According to a press release from the company, this is a key part of BrightFarms’ strategy to revolutionize the way produce is grown and distributed in the U.S., with an emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing.
In addition to its impact on agriculture, the Lorena greenhouse is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the region. Over 250 new jobs will be created for the local community and surrounding areas, offering competitive benefits to workers from their first day of employment.
Lorena’s mayor, Tommy Ross, expressed his enthusiasm about the new facility, stating:
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome BrightFarms into our community, creating jobs and bringing fresh, locally grown produce right here to Lorena.”
This sentiment highlights the positive impact the greenhouse will have not only on the local economy but also on the availability of healthy, local produce for the people of Texas.
BrightFarms’ expansion is part of a larger growth strategy led by its parent company, Cox Enterprises, which acquired BrightFarms in 2021. Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business with a strong history in agriculture, has made significant investments in sustainable farming technologies.
In November 2024, Cox Farms, the company’s controlled environment agriculture division, will become North America’s largest greenhouse operator, with more than 700 acres across its brands, including BrightFarms and Mucci Farms.
Cox Farms President Steve Bradley emphasized the significance of this expansion, noting, “With the opening of our new greenhouse in Texas, we are taking another significant step toward securing a sustainable food supply.
This milestone reinforces Cox’s investment of over $2 billion in sustainable businesses and technologies, ensuring healthy, responsibly grown produce for generations to come.” These efforts are in line with Cox Enterprises’ broader mission to empower future generations and improve global food systems.
BrightFarms’ new regional hubs in Texas, Illinois, and Georgia are set to expand the company’s reach to over two-thirds of the U.S. population, further solidifying its leadership in the indoor farming industry.
By reducing transportation time and costs, the company can offer fresh, high-quality greens to consumers more efficiently, eliminating the environmental and logistical challenges associated with traditional farming.
