SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Blue Diamond Growers announced an expansion of its processing facility in Turlock, Calif. The new addition supports plans to expand production of value-added product lines and distribute new almond products globally.

The latest phase of the three-part project is scheduled to be completed next spring and includes new automated processing and packaging equipment. Over the next nine years, the site will span 500,000 square feet of building space, according to the company.

“We are pleased to build our partnership with the Turlock community by investing to expand our facilities and workforce,” said Mark Jansen, president and chief executive officer of Blue Diamond Growers. “We are creating the healthiest almond products and delivering the benefits of almonds to the world. This project allows Blue Diamond to meet the growing demand for our innovative almond products.”

The company first announced plans to build the plant in April 2012, creating more than 100 jobs. Headquartered in Sacramento, Blue Diamond Growers is a nonprofit grower-owned cooperative and a leading marketer and processor of almonds.