SunOpta Invests $35 Million to Expand Texas Beverage Facility
SunOpta has added a fourth production line at its Midlothian, Texas facility following a $35 million investment, boosting its network beverage production capacity by 10% to meet growing demand for plant-based milks, creamers, teas, and broths.
Plant-based beverage manufacturer SunOpta has completed a $35 million expansion at its manufacturing facility in Midlothian, Texas, adding a fourth production line to meet rising customer demand. According to the company, the added line increases SunOpta's overall network capacity by 10% while optimizing distribution efficiency by locating production nearer to key market centers.
The Midlothian site produces plant-based milks, creamers, teas, and broths serving foodservice, retail, and e-commerce distribution channels. The new production line accommodates multiple packaging options, including 16-ounce, 32-ounce, and 330-milliliter sizes, as well as 32-ounce "Edge" packaging and half-gallon formats. SunOpta stated that this increased output will support existing customer growth while allowing the business to secure new commercial partnerships.
SunOpta CEO Brian Kocher highlighted that consumer demand for plant-based milks, creamers, tea, and broths across various packaging formats continues to gain momentum. Kocher noted that investing in existing infrastructure provides the scale, operational flexibility, and supply chain reliability needed to serve customers today and long-term.
Initially opened in winter 2023, the Midlothian plant was designed with future footprint expansion in mind. The original 285,000-square-foot facility was built to scale up to 400,000 square feet to accommodate various packaging configurations. The facility currently employs more than 220 people. Across its wider business, SunOpta—now part of Refresco—operates seven manufacturing plants across six markets. Plant Director Nick Muzzin remarked that the expansion demonstrates the local team's commitment to delivering high-quality plant-based products at scale.
The facility also incorporates several sustainability features designed to reduce resource consumption. SunOpta reported that its water reuse equipment can save up to 20 million gallons annually, while energy-efficient HVAC equipment lowers energy consumption by 45%. Furthermore, LED lighting and efficient water heaters reduce power usage by 95%, and office and laboratory spaces were constructed using at least 40% recyclable materials.
Key facts
- SunOpta invested $35 million to install a fourth production line at its Midlothian, Texas plant.
- The expansion increases SunOpta's total manufacturing network capacity by 10%.
- The plant produces plant-based milks, creamers, teas, and broths for retail, foodservice, and e-commerce channels.
- The new line supports 16 oz, 32 oz, 330 ml, 32 oz 'Edge', and half-gallon packaging formats.
- The Midlothian plant opened in winter 2023, employs over 220 people, and can expand from 285,000 to 400,000 square feet.
- SunOpta is part of Refresco and operates seven facilities across six markets.
- Sustainability features at the plant include water reuse systems saving up to 20 million gallons annually and HVAC units reducing energy usage by 45%.
Why it matters
This expansion demonstrates continued commercial investment in scalable plant-based beverage infrastructure. By expanding existing co-packing facilities and integrating versatile packaging formats, manufacturers can improve supply chain efficiency, lower shipping distances to key customer hubs, and address sustained consumer demand for plant-based milks and creamer formats.
- Food Business Africa — 2026-09-29: “SunOpta invests US$35M to expand beverage production at Texas facility”
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