US-based food processing company Columbus Craft Meats has expanded its salami curing facility located in Hayward, California.

The construction works, which began in February and involved an investment of $16m, have added 10,000ft² of space to the facility and increased salami production capacity by 30%.

The expansion is Columbus second in three years, and is expected to help the company to meet the growing demand for its meat products in the country. 

Columbus completed its last expansion in early 2015, which increased the facility’s production capacity by more than 50%.

"This added capacity will assure that even more consumers coast-to-coast will be able to enjoy our premium salami."

Similar to 2015, the recent expansion has also seen an installation of custom Italian-made equipment to ensure consistent product quality.

Columbus Craft Meats CEO Joe Ennen said: "We are now the most broadly distributed deli meat brand in the US and were excited to see the tremendous growth in our business

"This added capacity will assure that even more consumers coast-to-coast will be able to enjoy our premium salami. Further, our expansion not only allows us to meet demand but also to continue developing innovative new products."

Established in 1917, Columbus Craft Meats has been producing Italian salami and deli meats sold under the Columbus brand, which is available at food retailers across the US.