DEBLOIS (AP) – The state’s largest wild blueberry processor has begun work on a multimillion-dollar expansion in eastern Maine.

The project will allow Jasper Wyman and Son to expand its harvesting, processing and storage capabilities.

The centerpiece is a new processing facility with two cold-storage units that will add an estimated 50 seasonal jobs.

Also in the works is dormitory-style housing for up to 110 people to complement seasonal cabins the company has on its blueberry barrens in the town of Deblois.

If all goes to plan, the expansion will help retain summer workers, streamline operations and save the company money, said President Ed Flanagan.

“Our sales and processing has been growing steadily over the last 10 years, but as we grew we were contracting out most of our storage, some as far away as Boston,” he said. “That wasn’t very efficient.”

Flanagan wouldn’t reveal the total investment, but said it exceeds the $8.4 million in tax-exempt, low-interest bonds the Finance Authority of Maine issued for the project.

Maine is the nation’s only commercial grower of wild blueberries. Last year’s harvest totaled about 77 million pounds worth more than $72 million.

Wyman and Son owns about 26,000 acres in Maine, 7,000 of which are used to grow blueberries.

The company has about 120 year-round employees, and hires as many as 400 seasonal workers during the six-week blueberry harvest in late July and August.

Flanagan said his company is well-positioned for the future

“We’re proud of the investments we’ve made so far, and we think these newest upgrades have the potential to provide a good return,” he said.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com

AP-ES-05-27-08 1046EDT