Equipment Auction Signals End of Era at Tree Top Cashmere Juice Facility

CASHMERE, Wash., Jan. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 19th, the remaining surplus equipment of the former Tree Top processing facility will be sold to the highest bidder at public auction. Tree Top purchased the Cashmere plant in 1965. The facility was renovated and expanded in 1980 and was considered the world's premiere juice concentrate facility using state-of-the-art equipment.  Tree Top had been one of Cashmere's top employers from the time it opened in the early 1960s until it was closed in January 2008. At that time, it had about 70 employees.

Unfortunately, as the Chinese entered the market, the apple juice concentrate market became saturated and not profitable enough to warrant an entire plant dedicated to its production.  After years of consideration, Tree Top transferred the remainder of its juice concentrate production to its other facilities in Washington and the plant was closed in 2008.  A handful of employees are still located in the facility which remains home to Tree Top's Northern Field Office, responsible for its northern grower relations.  A few other employees remain on site to maintain tank equipment and the facility.

The auction sale is open to the public, featuring all the juice processing equipment & stainless tanks,  as well as plant refrigeration & electrical, boilers and spare parts. There will be a preview at the facility on Tuesday, January 18th. Those interested in learning more about the auction can visit www.rabin.com or contact Rabin Worldwide for additional information at 1.800.421.2144.

SOURCE Rabin Worldwide