BC Tree Fruits Co-op is bringing more jobs to Lake Country.
Marketing Manager Chris Pollock says if approved the company will expand its Winfield packinghouse to accommodate a new apple bagging line creating at least 64 new jobs.
He says the plant sits on the border of Lake Country and the City of Kelowna.
"So, because of that we've had to obtain approval from both the City of Kelowna and the District of Lake Country. The City of Kelowna has already approved our plans, and we're waiting for final approval from the District of Lake Country," he says.
Pollock expects the District's council to green light the expansion at next Tuesday's meeting.
He says the new line, which they hope to have operating this fall, will run eight months a year and increase packing capacity by 30%.
Pollock says BC Tree Fruits' Winfield packinghouse only handles apples, and is an important facility for the co-op's growers in Kelowna and Vernon.
"The abilityto add a fourth line, and those 60 plus jobs, is good for the industry and the region," he says.
The company's other three facilities are located in Kelowna, Oliver and Osoyoos.