To help meet high customer demand for its products, Columbus Craft Meats announced it has completed a $16 million expansion at the company's state-of-the-art salami curing facility in Hayward, California. The 10,000-square-foot addition increases the company's salami production capacity by 30 percent. Construction began in February and was commissioned early in September.
Second Expansion in Past Three Years
Columbus finished its last expansion in early 2015. That build-out boosted available production by more than 50 percent and almost doubled the size of the Hayward facility. However, capacity was quickly filled as Columbus became the most widely distributed meat brand in delis across the United States1.
"We are now the most broadly distributed deli meat brand in the United States and we're excited to see the tremendous growth in our business," said Columbus CEO, Joe Ennen. "This added capacity will assure that even more consumers coast-to-coast will be able to enjoy our premium salami. Further, our expansion not only allows us to meet demand but also to continue developing innovative new products."
Similar to 2015, this most recent expansion installed custom, Italian-made equipment to ensure the consistent quality customers have come to expect from Columbus Craft Meats.
Facility Earned Highest Food Safety Rating
This facility also continues to maintain food safety as its highest priority. For the last four years, the company's salami curing plant has earned an A or AA rating – the highest rating given – by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), an independent organization that sets the standard for global food safety.
Founded in 1917, Columbus Craft Meats produces award-winning Italian salami and deli meats sold under the Columbus brand. Its products are available at food retailers nationwide. More information can be found at www.ColumbusCraftMeats.com.
1Fastest growing brand of the top 30 brands: Nielsen, Total US, 26 weeks ending 7/1/17, $ Sales % change versus year ago, Total Deli (Including Specialty Meat & Cheese)