McCain Foods investing $600 million in Alberta processing facility

McCain Foods, a global frozen food company headquartered in Canada, is doubling the size of its processing plant and output in Coaldale, Alberta.

The $600 million investment is expected to create 260 jobs and create two new, state-of-the-art production lines.

“The development in Alberta marks our largest global investment in our 65-year history, totaling $600 million, while underscoring our commitment to the future of agriculture and innovation in Canada,” Max Koeune, president and CEO of McCain Foods, said in a news release. “This will fuel continued growth for the business, allowing us to serve key markets further by bringing customers high quality potatoes that begin with our dedicated local farming community.”

McCain Foods, the world’s largest manufacturer of frozen potato specialties, has operated a processing facility in Coaldale since 2000. The plant currently employs 225 people and works with potato farmers across Southern Alberta.

Founded in 1957, McCain Foods has seven Canadian production facilities with approximately 2,400 employees. The company also produces appetizers, vegetables and desserts for restaurants and retail stores in more than 160 countries.

The Coaldale expansion will include wind turbines and solar panels, providing 100% renewable electricity to the site. Additionally, renewable biogas generated at the wastewater treatment facility will be maximized and transported to the steam boilers to offset natural gas demands. A water recycling system will also be implemented to produce clean potable water.

The expansion will more than double the Coaldale workforce to 485 employees once the new lines are fully operational. Construction is slated to begin later this year.