ConAgra Foods plans to invest $200m to expand its Lamb Weston frozen potato facility in Boardman, Oregon, US, to address the growing demand for its frozen potato products.
This investment will add a new line to the plant, boosting the production capacity of French fries and other frozen potato products. It is expected to create 100 new jobs.
The expansion, which will include a 192,000ft2 addition, is expected to begin in early 2013 with completion in 2014. The company noted that the investment does not alter its existing fiscal 2013 capital expenditure guidance.
ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston Global Operations vice president Rick Martin said this project reflects the company's confidence in the region's growers to offer high-quality potatoes while working with state and local government to ensure long-term, sustainable growing practices.
ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston, a subsidiary of ConAgra Foods, operates seven facilities in the region employing nearly 4,500 people, including 500 employees in Boardman and 500 in Hermiston, Oregon.
The Boardman facility has easy access to the Port of Morrow, supporting both domestic and international growth plans of Lamb Weston customers. Its proximity to prime growing and shipping operations also helps lower transportation needs, the company claimed.