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Complete
Solutions for Food Producers and Entrepreneurs
Value-Added
Farm Products
Support and training for agricultural producers and
growers making value-added products or preserving
harvests for retail and wholesale.
Specialty,
Organic, Natural, and Retail Products
Complete technical assistance, business planning,
product development, distribution resources and
manufacturing space for specialty and organic food
producers. Our facility supports bottled and
shelf-stable prepared foods, acidified foods,
fresh-pack or frozen, dry mix, and bakery
operations.
Retail Operations
Facilities and support for catering, special events,
mobile food service, and other direct-to-consumer
food production.
Copack Solutions
Complete copack, or contract manufacturing, services
are available through our program. We will
work with you to develop commercial production
quantities of product under your label.
Professional
Development
Classes, workshops, and seminars designed to help
start your business and expand your capabilities as
a food entrepreneur.
Our
Mission
The Western Mass Food Processing Center mission is
to promote economic development through
entrepreneurship, provide opportunities for
sustaining local agriculture, and promote best
practices for food producers.
You
Should Sell This!
Have you ever been told that your recipe is good
enough to bottle? Thats the seed that grows into
a successful food business at the Center.
The
Center can help you overcome the obstacles to
commercial success and guide you through the process
of bringing your recipe to market. With the
resources of the Center and the support of the
Franklin County CDC behind your business, you can
realize your dream of owning your own business.
How
Do I Get Started?
Arrange a visit to the Center and discuss your
concept with the Program Manager. Learn how the
staff at the Center will work closely with you to
help get your idea off the ground. Tour the Center
and envision your business growing and succeeding
with our support.
What
Will I Find at the Center?
You will find a fully equipped modern production
facility that meets federal, state, and local
standards. Here is a brief look at what else you
will find at the Center:
40- and 60-gallon steam kettles
Hot-bottling/filling automation
Convection and conventional ovens and range
Pizza ovens
25-gallon tilting skillet
Large capacity mixers, choppers, shredders
Dry, cold and frozen storage
Shipping & receiving area w/loading dock
24-hour secure access
Vegetable wash and prep areas
Complete sanitation program and equipment
Shared office space and equipment
How
Will the Center Support My Business?
From start-up to market, the Center will work with
you to provide every advantage as you launch or
expand your business.
Before
you make your first commercial batch, you can take
advantage of our support in business planning,
recipe development, scale-up and testing, referrals
to labs for product testing, and preparation for
license inspections.
After
your business is licensed and ready to make the
first batch, we offer production assistance,
marketing support, and networking with distribution
channels. These are just some of the ways that the
Center will support your business.
Center
Membership
Membership at the Center costs only $35 per month,
and includes your access to the facility, our
technical advising services, and orientation and
training. Inquire about our membership
discount programs.
How
Much Does It Cost?
Costs for production vary depending on your needs
and your product. The Center charges a membership
fee, hourly fees for production, and fees for
storage rental. For certain members, a batch or per
unit charge may be negotiated with the Program
Manager.
Rate
Information
Center Costs:
Monthly Membership Dues* $35.00
Hourly
Production:
Gas Operations $35.00
Non-Gas Operations $21.25
Monthly
Dry Storage:
Pallet or Small Cage $35.00
Large Secure Cage $45.00
Weekly
Cold Storage:
Linear Foot $8.00
Rolling Rack $16.00
Pallet $24.00
*Annual
Membership Dues are $420 per year, with a monthly
billing option.
For
more information about using the Food Processing
Center for your business, call John Waite, at 413-774-7204 ext. 108 or email
johnw@fccdc.org.
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