A new US$22 million Fresh Del Monte Produce (NYSE: FDP) distribution center in Delaware is set to receive state government funding to the tune of US$913,000.

In a release, the Delaware Government said Council on Development Finance approved the recommendation for a US$259,000 performance grant to create approximately 30 jobs for the site, as well as a 3% match up to US$654,000 for qualified capital expenditures.

The government said the deal for the site on the former AstroPower building, currently owned by Christina School District and located at 300 Executive Drive, was set to close on May 20.

Governor John Carney said the government was very much looking forward to seeing the former AstroPower site repurposed and to "come alive again".

"We’re excited to commence our operation in the state of Delaware and tap into the workforce of the most populous county in the state with close proximity to the University of Delaware," added Del Monte senior vice president for North American operations, Paul Rice.

"Delaware is not only an ideal location for our Company to further develop our robust Northeastern operations, but will also give us the ability to provide jobs and growth to the surrounding community," Rice said.

The new 178,000 sq. ft. distribution center in the Pencader Industrial Park, New Castle, is expected to add a key istribution point in Fresh Del Monte's growing North American logistics network, especially in the North East.

The state-of-the-art facility will have an extensive infrastructure for the cutting and production of fresh fruit, vegetables and other food products.

When completed the distribution center will, among other aspects, have a fresh cut fruit, protein salad, and commissary production area, banana and avocado ripening rooms, refrigerated and dry warehouse space, loading docks, and office space.

"Thanks to the collaborative effort a building which has been on the market for nearly a decade will be revitalized and create new manufacturing jobs in our state with the potential to add more," Delaware Economic Development Office Director Bernice Whaley said in the release. 

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