Tree Top Inc. is shifting its puree operations from Medford, to Prosser, Washington, in September.

The Tree Top plant on Grape Street in Medford will close in late September as a result of the company’s decision to take its puree operations to Washington state. 

The Selah, Washington-based cooperative known for making juice, fruit-based products and ingredients, had announced in July of 2021 that it would move those operations in 2023 from Medford to Prosser, Washington, as part of a “strategic move to invest in new technology to gain an increased share of the growing fruit puree market.”

The Medford facility, located at 690 S. Grape St., will continue operations up until the close of business Sept. 29, Allison Arnett, director of communications for Tree Top. 

“The Medford employees have done a wonderful job running a quality operation for years, and this closure is in no way a reflection of their performance,” Arnett said in a prepared statement. “We appreciate their dedication to this company.”

The plant employs 77 people, all of whom have been given the chance to stay with the company, Arnett added. All hourly and administrative employees have been offered full relocation packages, Arnett said.

Twelve employees have already indicated they will relocate, she added. Other employees who have not expressed interest in the relocation package can still take advantage of it.  

For employees who choose not to relocate within the company, Arnett said Tree Top is still offering them assistance through the Oregon Dislocated Workers Program.

Tree Top’s website said the plant was acquired in 2008 and once employed up to 200 people. 

The facility, which operates approximately 10 months out of the year, has a peak employment season of July through December and employs up to 87 Tree Top employees and 30 temporary ones during that time, according to Arnett 

The Medford plant works to turn fruit into “single strength and concentrate purees and formulated fruit sauces that are used for conventional, organic and baby food,” according to the company’s website. Apples, pears, apricots, peaches and strawberries are processed into purees at the Medford plant.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated Tree Top’s scope of operations and when exactly the plant’s operations will cease.