Indoor farming business set to open in Lacey, new development coming to Briggs Village
Kalera, an Orlando, Florida-based company that grows lettuce and microgreens such as cilantro and basil, is set to open a new indoor commercial growing facility in Lacey this year, the company has announced.
The 75,000-square-foot facility will employ about 60 people, according to the announcement.
“Thanks in part to our optimized design processes, we have been able to extend into new markets at an extremely quick rate,” said Chief Executive Daniel Malechuk in a statement. “Soon, customers from Orlando to Seattle will have access to fresh, locally-grown Kalera greens every day of the year, regardless of weather, wildfires, or other natural disasters.”
Although Kalera has plans for a Lacey location, company representatives have yet to reach out directly to the city, Lacey spokesman Steve Kirkman said.
Using what it calls “high-yield, automated, data-driven hydroponic production facilities,” Kalera grows five lettuce varieties: Red Oak, Kalera Krunch, Butter, Baby Romaine, and Frisee. It also grows seven microgreens: cilantro, spicy mix, red sorrel, pea shoots, mild mix, basil, and popcorn shoots.
The business says its facilities produce 300 to 400 times more than a traditional farm.
By the end of 2021, Kalera is slated to have six commercial growing facilities. It currently has two in Orlando and is building sites in Atlanta, Houston and Denver.
Other business happenings
A new development is under construction on Henderson Boulevard near Yelm Highway — one that might bring more food service to Olympia’s Briggs Village.
The two-story building will be anchored by a pediatric dentist on the second floor, while the first-floor tenants are still to be determined, said Amy Evans, a commercial real estate broker with Kidder Mathews.
The building is being constructed with a drive-thru, which is likely to attract a coffee/food service-type business, she said.
The only food establishment in the area now is Starbucks, which occupies a former Grange building on the southwest corner of Yelm Highway and Henderson. The Briggs YMCA sits on the northwest corner of the intersection.
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
This story was originally published January 22, 2021 at 5:45 AM with the headline "Indoor farming business set to open in Lacey, new development coming to Briggs Village."
