Dave Wilson Nursery announces acquisition of Fredriks Nursery

Effective Nov. 25, Dave Wilson Nursery has announced the purchase of the assets of Fredriks Nursery in Ripon, California. The acquisition will increase environment-controlled greenhouse tree farming by 13 additional acres, allowing for significant growth within the Dave Wilson Nursery potted tree division.

"For some time, our leadership team at Dave Wilson Nursery had their eyes set on greenhouse expansion to meet the growing demands of tree farmers," said Dave Wilson CEO Bill Reid, according to a press release. "When David Fredrik approached us with the opportunity to purchase, the deal came together quickly. This has been a win-win because David wanted to sell and we're looking to grow our potted division. Obviously, the acquisition is better than new build construction for environmental and timing reasons."

Currently used for flower production, the greenhouses will undergo technological enhancements to adhere to Dave Wilson Nursery's stringent quality requirements for growing almond, walnut and stone fruit varieties and rootstock. Compared to farming open ground, greenhouse farming allows for more efficient and productive farming with increased consistency.

Fredriks Nursery presently employs approximately 20 full-time staff and 140 seasonal employees.

"When the opportunity to sell to a fellow Central Valley family-owned business presented itself, it made sense for our family to sell at this time in our life,” said Fredriks president David Fredrik. “We believe that Dave Wilson Nursery will be a good partner here in Ripon and we're pleased by the local leadership.”

The deal is scheduled to close in January 2020, with crop conversion goals set for this winter and early spring. Additional production from the new facility should be delivered to customers as soon as fall 2020. Dave Wilson has offices in Hickman, California and in Reedley, California.