Coast Packing Company Breaks Ground on New Edible Fats and Oils Refinery and Packaging Facility
Coast Packing Company, a 103-year-old, fourth-generation family-owned and operated business based in Vernon, California, is proud to announce the groundbreaking of its state-of-the-art Edible Fats and Oils Refinery and Packaging Facility at 9400 Centerport Blvd. in Amarillo, Texas. This milestone event marks a significant step forward in the company’s expansion and commitment to providing the highest-quality animal fat shortenings, including lard and beef tallow, in the United States.
“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,” said Eric R. Gustafson, CEO of Coast Packing Company. “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 groundbreaking ceremony, held on February 4, 2025, featured included remarks from key industry and community leaders, including Doug Nelson, Senior Vice President of the AEDC; Hollie Shankle, Vice President of the AEDC; Cole Stanley, Mayor of Amarillo; Nancy Tanner, County Judge; Greg Longstreet, President and CEO of Del Monte Foods and Coast Packing Company Advisory Board Member; and Eric R Gustafson, CEO of Coast Packing Company.
“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,” said Mayor Cole Stanley, City of Amarillo. “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 groundbreaking marks a pivotal moment not only for Coast Packing Company but also for the Amarillo community. The new facility is slated to open Summer 2026, and the project is expected to create 30 new jobs initially, with plans to expand to 60 people in the coming years, providing a substantial boost to the local economy. Additionally, the facility will modernize operations, enhance efficiency, and reinforce Coast Packing’s position as the leading supplier of animal fat shortenings in the United States. The company is committed to sustainability, and the new facility will integrate advanced technology to ensure efficient operations and environmentally responsible practices.
The facility, designed and built in partnership with Food Tech, Inc., a Boston-based leader in food and beverage facility construction, will include several cutting-edge components. The Refinery Building will be a 10,000-square-foot, four-level steel structure with insulated panels reaching 80 feet in height, dedicated to refining edible fats and oils. The Boiler House will be constructed of CMU Block and the Tank Farm will feature twelve 30-foot-tall carbon steel tanks for storing raw materials delivered via a new rail siding. The Packaging and Warehouse Building will span 36,000 square feet and house packing operations, a warehouse, and office space. This building will be constructed with tilt-up concrete walls and designed to meet the highest safety and sanitary standards.