Economic development doesn’t happen overnight, and it rarely happens without challenges along the way. Recruiting major new employers is a complex process — one that requires persistence, trust, and strong partnerships to overcome the unexpected. The new Manzana Products apple processing facility now under development in Sunnyside is a perfect example.
Manzana, a subsidiary of Agrial, is investing $60 million to open its new processing plant in Yakima County. This project will bring 150 new family-wage jobs to Sunnyside, provides another reliable buyer for locally grown organic apples, and strengthen one of our region’s most important industries: ag and value-added food processing. By locating close to the orchards, the company will reduce emissions from long-haul trucking, expand manufacturing capacity, and deepen its roots in the community.
But as anyone who has worked on projects of this scale knows, the path is rarely smooth. During construction and development, unforeseen site challenges emerged that could have slowed or even derailed progress. That is where strong local and state partnerships made all the difference. With the support of the Governor’s Office and the Department of Commerce, $250,000 from the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund was released to help address these unexpected challenges. That investment, paired with coordinated local support from the City of Sunnyside, the Port of Sunnyside, and Yakima County, kept the project progressing.
At the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA), our role is to bring the right partners together — whether that means working with state agencies, local governments, ports, or private businesses — to find solutions and keep projects moving forward. We know these challenges are inevitable. The key is being prepared, being connected, and being persistent.
Just as important, however, is supporting the businesses that are already here. Helping our local employers thrive is the most important work YCDA does. When we assist them in expanding, solving workforce challenges, or navigating regulations, we’re strengthening the foundation of Yakima County’s economy. Without a healthy local business base, there would be no ecosystem for new employers like Manzana to join — and no opportunities for them to build upon the success and innovation already taking place in our communities.
The Manzana project also shows why having long-term relationships matters. The Port of Sunnyside, local officials, and our state partners were all engaged at critical points to keep momentum going. No single organization can do this alone. It takes everyone at the table to make sure good opportunities don’t slip away.
Economic development is about more than attracting investment; it’s about building a stronger future for all of Yakima County. Projects like Manzana’s mean more jobs, stronger farm-to-market connections, and greater economic resilience for our communities. And when unexpected challenges come up — as they always do — organizations like YCDA are here to work across sectors and across jurisdictions to solve problems and deliver results.
That’s the real lesson of Manzana’s investment: success is built on collaboration. With the right partners and persistence, Yakima County can continue to grow opportunities that benefit the entire region.
