BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Wonderful Company announced Wednesday it is increasing its minimum wage to $15 an hour for full-time California employees effective Jan. 1, 2019.

The increase means a 36 percent jump in pay for those making the current state-mandated minimum wage, according to a news release from the packaged goods company.

“Our dedicated and hard-working employees are our greatest asset, and the reason for our tremendous success as a company,” said Stewart Resnick, chairman and president of The Wonderful Company. “This move firmly positions The Wonderful Company as the employer of choice in California’s Central Valley, and we encourage others in the agriculture industry to follow our lead.”

This increase comes three years before a California state law will require all large employers to meet a $15 an hour minimum wage, the statement read.

“This substantial investment in our workers will have an immediate and meaningful impact on their lives,” said Lynda Resnick, company vice chair and co-owner. “In addition to providing our Central Valley employees and their families free health care and education, we are now able to help them achieve a significantly improved standard of living.”

The company stated it employs about 4,500 full-time employees in California, and nearly half of them will benefit from this wage increase.

The Wonderful Company packages a variety of products, including pistachios, almonds, citrus and pomegranates.