Comercializadora Hervas Ltda. to invest $5,339 million in plant modernization

Comercializadora Hervas Ltda. is investing $5,339 million to expand and modernize its agricultural plant in San Carlos, Chile. The project integrates artificial intelligence, automation, and new technologies to process vegetables such as carrots, onions, potatoes, beets, and squash.

The modernization includes new lines for washing, drying, selecting, and packaging. The facility will utilize camera-equipped machinery and AI to classify vegetables by quality and detect defects. This upgrade is expected to double daily processing capacity from 100 to 200 tons, allowing the company to shift from bulk sales to higher-value processed and packaged products.

The project received a $590 million subsidy through Corfo’s IFI Technological Investments program, funded by the Ñuble Regional Government. The expansion is projected to create 45 direct jobs and 20 indirect jobs, while increasing annual purchases from local farmers and SMEs from $2,436 million to $4,872 million. Additionally, the initiative includes worker training with an emphasis on increasing female participation in technical and leadership roles.