AMARILLO, TEXAS – Coast Packing Co. broke ground earlier this week on a new edible fats and oils refinery and packaging facility in Amarillo, Texas.

The company said the project represents a significant step forward in expanding the supply of animal fat shortenings like lard and beef tallow.

"This groundbreaking marks not just the start of construction, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Coast Packing Co. and the Amarillo community," said Eric R. Gustafson, chief executive officer of Coast Packing. "For over a century, Coast has been committed to quality, innovation and tradition in the food industry. Our new state-of-the-art facility in Amarillo will allow us to continue leading the industry in animal fat shortenings while creating new opportunities for local families, supporting economic growth, and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability. We are honored to partner with this vibrant community and look forward to many successful years ahead." 

The new facility is expected to open in the summer 2026, with the project creating 30 new jobs and adding 60 workers in the coming years.

The building will be constructed in partnership with Food Tech Inc., a Boston-based construction company. The refinery building will span 10,000 square feet and be a four-level steel structure that features insulated panels that are 80 feet high.

The boiler house will be constructed of CMU Block and the Tank Farm will feature 12, 30-foot-tall carbon steel tanks for storing raw materials delivered via a new rail siding. The Packaging and Warehouse Building will span 36,000 square feet and house packing operations, a warehouse, and office space. This building will be constructed with tilt-up concrete walls and designed to meet the highest safety and sanitary standards.

Source: Coast Packing Co.

Along with Gustafson, the groundbreaking was attended by several industry and community leaders like Doug Nelson, senior vice president of the Amarillo Economic Development Corp. (AEDC), Hollie Shankle, vice president of the AEDC, Cole Stanley, mayor of Amarillo, Nancy Tanner, County Judge, and Greg Longstreet, president and CEO of Del Monte Foods and Coast Packing Co. advisory board member.

"Coast's new facility will create new opportunities for our workforce, contribute to economic growth and further solidify Amarillo's reputation as a prime location for business expansion," Stanley said. "We are thrilled to welcome Coast Packing Co. to Amarillo. Their commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with the values of our community."

In 2018, MEAT+POULTRY profiled Coast Packing at its headquarters in Verona, Calif.