Ontario, CA – On July 22, 2016, Ontario’s Mayor and City Council celebrated the groundbreaking of the former Sunkist Citrus Packing Plant site. The historic industrial site will be developed by Commercial Real Estate Developer, Majestic Realty Company.
The 11 acre site will include a 239,400 square foot industrial building that will provide nearly 500 new jobs and will be the new home to Melmarc, a full package screen printing company. Founded in 1975, the company has now grown into a full-service manufacturer capable of producing in excess of 500,000 embellished garments per week.
“The development of this site demonstrates the City’s commitment to invest in projects that shape the future of Ontario, which focuses on a strong economy that provides the necessary resources that our City needs to prosper,” said Mayor Paul S. Leon.
Located just southeast of Ontario’s Euclid Avenue District at Campus Avenue and Sunkist Street, the historical Sunkist Citrus Packing Plant at one time was the largest employer in the City. The plant was constructed in 1926 and remained a catalyst of City growth until its sale and relocation in 2007. Mayor pro Tem Debra Dorst-Porada said, “We are excited to have Melmarc join our thriving business community and the hundreds of jobs that will be provided for our residents.”
“This project is an example of what can be achieved when all parties come to the table in partnership. The revitalization of this once-thriving site will now serve as a catalyst for further development and growth in our industrial areas,” said Council Member Alan D. Wapner.
Majestic and Melmarc are both committed to the historic integrity of the property and as part of the agreement, the City will maintain the 1929 water tower that was used by Sunkist. While at one time this water tower held up to 20,000 gallons of water, it will now serve as a historic landmark to an industry that helped the Inland Empire region thrive. The historic Sunkist water tower will be reassembled and placed on the northeast corner of the site. The tower will be restored and painted to its original glory. Council Member Jim W. Bowman said, “I, like many in Ontario, worked at the original Sunkist Exchange and remember the boon it was for our local economy. We are enthusiastic about seeing this area return to a site of productivity and growth.”
Construction for this project is expected to be completed by the end of this year. For more information regarding the project, please contact the Economic Development Agency at (909) 395-2005.