McCain Foods USA has started construction of a 170,000-square-foot expansion project at its potato processing plant in Othello, Washington, following an official groundbreaking ceremony.
The $300 million investment will significantly expand North American production capacity through the addition of a state-of-the-art battered and conventional french fry line. Moreover, the expansion will bring an anticipated 180 new jobs to area residents and require approximately 11,000 additional acres to be cultivated by potato growers in the region.
“Thanks to our passionate farming partners and hardworking employees, McCain Foods has a rich history of producing high quality food right here in Washington,” said Dale McCarthy, vice president of integrated supply chain. “This expansion will deepen our roots and commitment in this great state and grow the potato industry for years to come.”
McCain Foods Othello employs over 450 people who produce and distribute more than 400,000 million pounds of frozen products annually. Completion of the expanded factory is anticipated in early 2021.
About the Company
Headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, McCain Foods USA is a leading supplier of frozen potato and snack food products to foodservice markets, retail grocery chains and private label brands distributed in restaurants and supermarket freezers across the country. It employs 4,000 people and operates production facilities in Idaho, Maine, Nebraska and Wisconsin in addition to Washington.
The company is part of privately held Canadian multinational McCain Foods Limited, which was established in Florenceville, New Brunswick in 1957. Producing frozen appetizers, desserts and other products in addition to french fries and potato specialties, it employs over 21,000 people globally and operates 52 production facilities on six continents.
