PRODUCE REPACKERS BEGINS OPERATIONS

Cape Girardeau Produce and Repackers Inc. has begun operations.

"We repack produce," said Tom Frudden, a partner in the company. "We purchase tomatoes, onions, potatoes and other vegetables in bulk. We package the vegetables in tubes, small baskets or boxes, and ship them to retailers."

The operation is in an 18,000-square-foot building near Perryville Road and Route W.

Frudden, who recently moved to the Cape Girardeau area from Salinas, Calif., has as partners Dutch Krause and Bob Dushell. Both are from Florida; Krause from Jacksonville and Dushell from Nehi Acres.

"This is a new company here, but the three partners have a combined total of more than seven years experience in the business," said Frudden.

The firm has overnight distribution to a number of cities.

"We purchase vegetables from Michigan, Florida, California, and other states," said Frudden. "We ship to area retailers and as far north as Canada."

The operation is six days a week.