McCain adding $300 million expansion to Washington potato processing facility

McCain Foods USA has announced a $300 million investment in its Othello, Washington potato processing facility, significantly expanding its North American production capacity. McCain Foods USA is a division of McCain Foods Limited, the largest producer of frozen french fries in the world.

This 170,000-square-foot expansion will add another state-of-the-art battered and conventional french fry processing line to its production capabilities in the U.S. It also will bring an anticipated 180 new jobs to the community. Of note, this investment also brings environmental efficiencies, reducing the facility’s carbon footprint while doubling its production, underlining McCain’s commitment to sustainability.

“This investment signals confidence in Washington, its potato growing community and its skilled workforce availability,” said Jeff DeLapp, President, North America. “It quickly follows other McCain capacity investments, helping to meet the continued increasing demand for McCain products and builds toward a strong, sustainable future in manufacturing and agriculture.”

This added capacity will require an approximate 11,000 additional acres, sourced from local potato growers in the region, and follows a similar high-capacity expansion in Burley, Idaho to service the U.S. and global markets.

Construction will begin this month with anticipated completion in early 2021.