Plans for vacant plant at Berino will create 90 jobs over 5 years

An abandoned egg-processing plant near Las Cruces will be renovated and turned into hydroponic greenhouses and seed-drying rooms, resulting in 90 new jobs over the next five years, Gov. Susana Martinez announced Monday.

Wholesome Valley Foods also will use the abandoned plant in Berino to mill cotton seeds.

The company will get up to $620,000 in Local Economic Development Act funds, according to a news release.

It also is applying for the state Environment Department’s Voluntary Remediation and Brownfield loan to help remediate polluted groundwater. The program provides assistance in converting abandoned, blighted, or potentially contaminated property to usable sites that qualify for redevelopment, investment or resale.

“We are humbled by the support from the people of Berino and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the community,” Jay Hill, farm manager for Wholesome Valley, said in the release.

The company is investing $12 million over five years to make the renovations.

“With this announcement, we are experiencing the growth of new industry and opportunity rooted in the historical agricultural assets of the region,” said Davin Lopez, president and CEO of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance. “After over a year working closely with the company and community, we are proud to help bring this project to fruition.”

The governor also announced that New Mexico Greenhouse Holdings is expanding its operations in Mesilla Park, adding 13 jobs. That company will get up to $150,000 in LEDA money.

The area in March will be hit with the loss of more than 400 jobs when Sitel closes its Las Cruces call center. The company announced the closure earlier this month.