ConAgra Foods completes $200m expansion of frozen potato facility in US

ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston, a subsidiary of ConAgra Foods, has completed the expansion of its frozen potato facility in Boardman, Oregon, US, with an investment of about $200m.

The move adds around 100 new jobs to the local economy.

The expansion is part of the firm’s efforts to meet consumer demand for frozen potato products, both domestically and internationally.

The 192,000ft² expansion, which was announced in 2012, involves the addition of a new line to the plant, which will boost the production capacity of French fries and other frozen potato products.

It further strengthens the company’s capability to make many different varieties of frozen potato and other vegetable products.

With the addition, Lamb Weston has a total of five production lines in two facilities in Boardman.

The expansion has increased production capacity by around 300 million pounds, annually, according to the company.

ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston president Greg Schlafer said the completion of the new production line allows the firm to make great-tasting French fries from potatoes grown throughout the region.

"We can continue to build upon the strong relationships we have with our customers while meeting their growing needs," Schlafer added.

Port of Morrow general manager Gary Neal said: "We couldn’t be more pleased with ConAgra Foods’ investment and commitment to Boardman and the entire Columbia River Basin."

ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston operates seven facilities in the Columbia River Basin area with around 4,500 employees, including 750 employees in Boardman and 500 in Hermiston of Oregon.

ConAgra Foods is one of North America’s largest packaged food companies. It produces brands such as Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Egg Beaters, Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Hunt’s and Marie Callender’s.

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Image: ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston has completed the expansion of its frozen potato facility in Boardman, US. Photo courtesy of ConAgra Foods.