McCain Foods to boost production of potato products in US

McCain Foods USA has announced plans to boost production of potato products with the addition of a third production line at its manufacturing facility in Burley, Idaho, with an investment of $100m.

The new production line is expected to be operational by the end of 2015 and will manufacture potato products for the foodservice industry and restaurant chains.

McCain Foods Americas regional president Frank van Schaayk said that there is increasing demand for potato products from customers across the US and worldwide.

"We made the decision to invest in our Burley plant because of its strong potato grower community, highly capable workforce and tremendous support from the local and state government," Schaayk added.

Governor C.L. ‘Butch’ Otter said: "We look forward to McCain’s continuing growth in Burley, and to a long and successful relationship in the community."

The potatoes for the new production line will be purchased locally and the Burley plant will continue production during the expansion, according to the company.

Established in 1960s, the Burley facility is one of several manufacturing plants McCain operates across the US.

Headquartered in Lisle, Illinois, McCain Foods USA, a subsidiary of Canada-based McCain Foods, employs 4,500 people and operates production facilities in Illinois, Maine, Washington, Wisconsin, Idaho, New Jersey, California and Nebraska.

McCain Foods is a leading supplier of frozen potato and snack food products for the foodservice markets and retail grocery chains.

The company’s frozen snack foods are sold under the Moore’s, Anchor and Brew City brands, and the Ellio’s frozen pizza brand.

---

Image: McCain Foods plans to purchase potatoes locally for the new production line. Photo courtesy of Sufi Nawaz.