Gotham Greens opens second greenhouse in Pullman, Chicago

Fresh produce company Gotham Greens has opened a new greenhouse in Pullman, Chicago, US.

The new facility is part of the company’s strategy to increase its fresh produce production capacity to meet the growing demand from retail, restaurant and foodservice customers across the Midwestern US.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said: “Gotham Greens’ expansion in Chicago demonstrates its continued commitment to the city, state and region by creating new jobs and using its high-tech greenhouses to grow high-quality produce, even during the coldest winter months.

“Agriculture is a vital component of our state’s economy, and I’m pleased to see opportunities for urban agriculture, like this greenhouse expansion. Investing in innovative solutions will keep Illinois at the forefront for decades to come and help create good jobs that can support a family.”

The new facility will more than double the company’s annual lettuce production capacity in the Midwest to 11 million heads.

It will be Gotham Greens’ second greenhouse in the Pullman Neighborhood of Chicago and sixth facility in the US.

The new greenhouse facility is said to be an automated and climate-controlled facility, which is equipped with advanced technologies, including data-driven control tools and production systems.

Gotham Greens co-founder and CEO Viraj Puri said: “Since 2009, we’ve worked to transform how and where fresh produce is grown to provide more people with access to local, sustainably-grown produce that is as delicious as it is nutritious.

“After opening our first greenhouse in Chicago in 2015, we have received tremendous support from retailers, restaurants and shoppers alike who love that we can provide a reliable, year-round supply of fresh produce that’s grown locally.

“We’re thrilled to open our second greenhouse in Chicago to expand our production and distribution in the Midwest and bring our delicious leafy greens, herbs and fresh food products to even more people.”

The company also stated that it will create nearly 100 new full-time employment opportunities in Chicago and 300 across the nation.