MESA, Ariz. (AP) — One of the last citrus processing plant in the Phoenix metropolitan area is closing its Mesa facility after operating since the 1930s.
The board of the Mesa Citrus Growers Association decided in May to close the plant as the number of citrus orchards has dwindled and crop prices haven't kept up with production costs.
The facility at 254 W. Broadway Road is a cooperative owned by Phoenix area growers who sell citrus under the Sunkist brand.
It processed its last fruit at the end of the spring harvest and officials said Monday that employees are beginning to wind down operations and sell equipment and the property.
