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US producer of upcycled dried fruit snacks, The Ugly Company, has announced the opening of a new fruit processing plant in Farmersville, California. The facility marks a "significant milestone" in the company's journey to combating food waste while providing nutritious snacks sourced from visually unconventional yet "perfectly-edible" fruit. Spanning 23.5 acres, the new facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology to process a wide range of locally grown fruits, including a self-developed sticker-removal machine, pit extractors and 32 dehydration tunnels. In addition, the business said that in collaboration with regional growers, "The Ugly Company ensures a sustainable supply chain that minimises transportation costs and reduces its carbon footprint". It is estimated that 28 employees will be hired initially in various roles – from processing to management levels – which will bring new employment opportunities to Farmersville. Ben Moore, founder and CEO of The Ugly Company, said: "Our new fruit processing facility represents a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainable and healthy snacking. We are proud to open this facility in Farmersville, as it allows us to support local farmers, contribute to the community's economic growth and bring our delicious and nutritious snacks to more people.” Additionally, The Ugly Company has unveiled new packaging designs aimed at better illustrating the brand's story and clearly defining its product offerings.