New Zealand fruit company Seeka Limited [NZX:SEK] has announced plans to invest NZ$18m in its Northland postharvest business over the next three years.

It says it is investing in new capacity, packing machines, packing shed and cool stores in Kerikeri.

The investment will "significantly lift" the company's capacity and give growers better harvest timing for kiwifruit, avocados and citrus.

Development begins at Seeka Kerikeri in 2018 with the construction of a new packhouse and grading machinery. The construction of the buildings and equipment to be completed in time for the 2019 harvest.

Alongside this investment, Seeka is transforming the information systems on site before the construction of additional cool storage later next year. The cool stores will essentially see a doubling of the precooling and cooling capacity.

"We are here for the long term. This investment will provide world class facilities in the heart of Northland," said Seeka chief executive Michael Franks.

"We want to support the communities we are part of and contribute to the local economy through investment and employment. The investment also delivers Seeka a competitive edge.

"We are ensuring our local people have the right infrastructure to deliver quality, price and service in our postharvest business. We are investing to support our existing growers along with the tremendous support of new growers choosing Seeka as their postharvest service provider."

The company says it continues to positively look for expansion options in the region.