Lamb Weston to build $250m french fry processing plant in Hermiston
Food processing industry news : Lamb Weston will invest $250 million to expand its operations of its potato processing plant in Hermiston, Oregon, in a move to grow its french fry processing capacity in North America.
In this regard, the Idaho-based potato processing company will be adding a new french fry processing line that will have a capacity of processing 300 million pounds of potatoes per year.
According to Lamb Weston, the new french fry processing plant will be modeled after its $200 million potato processing facility in Richland, Washington.
The Lamb Weston french fry processing plant in Hermiston is slated to be ready during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
French fries. Photo courtesy of phasinphoto at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
Once operational, the Hermiston french fry processing line will also help in meeting demand growth for exports to Asia apart from supporting the company’s growth in North America.
Commenting on the new french fry processing plant in Hermiston, Tom Werner – President and CEO of Lamb Weston said: “The french fry category has been growing at attractive rates around the world, and we believe industry capacity has been challenged in recent years to keep up with continued growth in market demand.
“This investment in a new french fry processing line in the Columbia Basin reflects Lamb Weston’s continued commitment to support our strategic partners as they continue to grow their businesses in North America and abroad.”
The new Lamb Weston french fry processing plant in Oregon will create about 170 full-time jobs.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown has announced an award from the Strategic Reserve Fund of the state to help the Lamb Weston expansion project in Hermiston. The award will be used for development of infrastructure at the location and training of workforce and diversification.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown, commenting on the state’s support to the new Lamb Weston french fry processing plant in Hermiston, said: “I’m happy to announce this new state investment as part of my focus on growing a thriving Oregon economy in all parts of our state.
“In addition to supporting our rural economies and booming agriculture industry, this investment provides critical workforce training opportunities in well-paying jobs in Eastern Oregon.”
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