Key Takeaways:
- Deployment of Battery-Electric Truck: Soli Organic has integrated its first battery-electric truck, the Freightliner® eCascadia®, into its Virginia logistics hub as part of a pilot program.
- Partnership with Penske: The collaboration with Penske Truck Leasing underscores a shared commitment to reducing the carbon footprint in the agriculture and transportation industries.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The company continues to enhance its sustainability practices, including route optimization, indoor farming close to markets, and green energy use.
- Expansion in Technology: Soli Organic recently launched an advanced soil-based vertical farm in San Antonio, Texas, demonstrating its leadership in sustainable agriculture.
Soli Organic Inc., the leading indoor agriculture company in the United States, has announced a significant step forward in its sustainability efforts with the deployment of its first battery-electric truck. In partnership with Penske Truck Leasing, Soli Organic is integrating the Freightliner® eCascadia® into its fleet, marking a new milestone in the company’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
Introduction of the Battery-Electric Truck
The new battery-electric truck will be based at Soli Organic’s Virginia logistics hub, where it will enhance the distribution of fresh, organic produce while reducing the company’s carbon footprint. The vehicle, a Freightliner® eCascadia®, is a state-of-the-art electric truck designed to deliver high performance with minimal environmental impact. This initiative is part of a six-month pilot program that will provide Soli Organic with critical insights into the operational efficiencies and environmental benefits of electrifying its supply chain.
The addition of the electric truck aligns with Soli Organic’s broader strategy to innovate and optimize its transportation operations. The company’s refrigerated less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation service, known for its best-in-class performance, will benefit from this new technology as it continues to serve critical distribution centers and over 20,000 retail stores nationwide.
Collaboration with Penske Truck Leasing
Soli Organic’s collaboration with Penske Truck Leasing is a key component of this initiative. Penske, which serves as Soli Organic’s primary vehicle fleet provider, has been instrumental in supporting the company’s sustainability goals. Paul Rosa, Senior Vice President of Procurement and Fleet Planning at Penske, emphasized the shared vision of reducing environmental impact: “We are very pleased to support Soli Organic’s continued sustainability efforts. The Freightliner® eCascadia® is designed to deliver strong performance while minimizing environmental impact.”
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability has long been a cornerstone of Soli Organic’s operations. The company has made continuous progress in reducing its environmental footprint through various initiatives, including optimizing delivery routes to minimize emissions and strategically locating its indoor farms near major consumer markets to reduce food miles. Moreover, Soli Organic’s innovative growing technology eliminates the need for energy-intensive fertilizers and relies on green electricity whenever possible.
“The addition of this new electric vehicle is a testament to Soli Organic’s ongoing commitment to using innovation to help us advance our leadership in sustainability,” said Matt Ryan, CEO of Soli Organic. “This trial will provide us with valuable insights into the operational efficiencies and environmental benefits of electrifying our supply chain.”
Soli Organic Latest News
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Unveils State-of-the-Art Indoor Vertical Farm in San Antonio (2024/06/06)
Soli Organic Inc. has opened a new 140,000 square feet indoor vertical farm in San Antonio’s Brooks Community, which integrates cutting-edge technology to produce over ten different organic crops. The facility is expected to create over 100 jobs and stimulate economic development in Southeast San Antonio.
Appoints Jeff Jackson as Chief Infrastructure Officer (2023/02/20)
Soli Organic Inc. has appointed Jeff Jackson as Chief Infrastructure Officer to lead the expansion of its indoor farming operations across the United States. The company recently raised $125 million in Series D funding to develop new facilities and integrate innovative technologies. Jackson’s role will be crucial in scaling the company’s infrastructure, enhancing clean energy sourcing, and streamlining design processes. Soli Organic aims to redefine fresh produce delivery through its soil-based, indoor farms, meeting consumer demand for sustainable and affordable food options. Jackson’s experience from leading tech companies like Tesla will be valuable in advancing the company’s sustainability initiatives and pursuing aggressive growth targets. Founded in 1989, Soli Organic is known for its innovative indoor organic soil-based growing system and is poised to expand its impact nationwide.
First Soil-Based Organic Indoor Farm To Be Built in San Antonio (2022/11/16)
Soli Organic Inc. plans to build a high-tech, automated indoor farm and packing facility in the Brooks neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas. The farm will expand the company’s national footprint by 100,000 square feet of growing space and an additional 40,000 square feet of processing. The new facility will allow the company to serve 3,000 retailers and millions of customers in the Texas Triangle and throughout the Southwest region. They use a six-level tray system to produce better yields and offer fresh, 100% USDA-certified organic herbs and leafy greens at a lower price point. Soli Organic plans to open more farms in the Midwest and Northeast.
Banks a USD 125M To Scale Soil-Based Indoor Ag (2022/10/12)
Soli Organic has announced the close of a $125 million Series D funding round. The funding will be used to build additional high-tech indoor farms in strategic locations nationwide, including the Midwest and Northeast. Soli Organic’s unique technology advantage enables them to offer a superior consumer proposition with high quality and better unit economics, breaking the paradigm that organic food must cost more. The round was led by global investment group CDPQ, with participation from Movendo Capital, S2G Ventures, Cascade Asset Management Company, and XPV Water Partners.
Lands New Basil Line In Stores (2022/05/24)
Soli Organic’s new line of USDA certified organic ‘Indolce’ basil is now available in over 2,000 select stores across 15 Mid-Atlantic distribution centers. The company’s indoor production system allows it to grow without artificial substrates or expensive synthetic fertilizers, resulting in a superior quality product available at nearly a dollar less per ounce than field-grown organic produce. Soli Organic recently announced a $50 million financing arrangement to expand its production capacity and meet rising demand.
Image provided by Soli Organic
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