Florenceville, New Brunswick – McCain Foods (Canada) announced today it will invest $80 million towards the creation of a new Formed Potato Specialty production line at its existing Grand Falls, New Brunswick facility. The production expansion and creation of the new high-speed Formed Potato Specialty line enables McCain to meet the growing customer demand for the fast-growing market segment and also further strengthens the company’s potato processing presence both in Canada and North America.
An estimated 80 new full-time jobs will be added to the production line once the facility expansion is completed.
"Today’s investment announcement at our Grand Falls facility reflects McCain’s commitment to the potato business in New Brunswick and to the people that live and work in the Grand Falls community," declared Dale McCarthy, Vice President of Integrated Supply Chain, McCain Foods North America.
The new production line will be operational by early 2021 and will feature advanced technology for process efficiency as well as state-of-the-art food safety, processing and packaging equipment.
"Investing in the Grand Falls facility is a testament to the many successful partnerships McCain values with our local potato growers, employees and communities," said Danielle Barran, President of McCain Foods Canada. "McCain is a proud, Canadian family-owned business, where we continue to strengthen and grow our businesses in New Brunswick to meet the growing consumer demand for McCain potato products."
A strong, sustainable Atlantic Canada business opportunity
"Based on the Grand Falls facility expansion, there will be demand for an additional 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of harvested potatoes by New Brunswick potato growers in order to supply the new high-speed Formed Potato Specialty line," added McCarthy.
New Brunswick is a key potato-growing region in Canada, representing an estimated 15 per cent of the total Canadian production and acreage. New Brunswick potato growers are experienced, and many have established business relationships with McCain Foods.
"With today’s announcement, both the Grand Falls facility and the recent Florenceville expansion will provide McCain Foods with two of the largest Formed Specialty lines in the industry," concluded McCarthy.
With few exceptions, McCain’s potato products are made from local potatoes grown on farms close to their facilities, which are spread across Canada in New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Alberta.
About McCain Foods (Canada)
McCain Foods (Canada) is the Canadian division of McCain Foods Limited, an international leader in the frozen food industry. McCain is the world's largest manufacturer of frozen potato specialties, and also produces other quality products such as appetizers, vegetables, and desserts that can be found in restaurants and retail stores in more than 160 countries around the world. In Canada, the company has eight production facilities with approximately 2,400 employees and, in addition to its famous French fries and potato specialties, makes frozen desserts, snacks and appetizers.
For further information:
Andrea Davis, Director Government Relations and Public Affairs
416 955 1507