Coast Packing to Build Edible Fats & Oils RefineryCoast Packing to Build Edible Fats & Oils Refinery

Coast Packing Co. has announced the groundbreaking of its state-of-the-art edible fats and oils refinery and packaging facility in Amarillo, TX. The event is a significant step forward in the company's expansion and commitment to providing the highest-quality animal fat shortenings, including lard and beef tallow, in the US.

The 103-year-old, fourth-generation family owned and operated business based in Vernon, CA, held the groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 4, 2025, with key industry and community leaders in attendance. Organizations included The Amarillo Economic Development Corp., the mayor of Amarillo, county judge; and the president and CEO of Del Monte Foods.

The facility will include several cutting-edge components. The refinery building will be a 10,000-sq.-ft four-level steel structure with insulated panels reaching 80 feet in height, dedicated to refining edible fats and oils. The boiler house will be constructed of CMU Block and the tank farm will feature twelve 30-foot-high carbon steel tanks for storing raw materials delivered via a new rail siding. The packaging and warehouse building will span 36,000 sq. ft 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.

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"For over a century, Coast has been committed to quality, innovation, and tradition in the food industry," said Eric R. Gustafson, CEO of Coast Packing. "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...." 

The new facility is slated to open in summer 2026, and the project is expected to create 30 new jobs initially, with plans to expand to 60 people in the coming years. Additionally, the facility will modernize operations, enhance efficiency, and reinforce Coast Packing's position as the leading supplier of animal fat shortenings in the US.