McCain Foods USA, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., began construction of a 170,000-square-foot expansion at its Othello, Wash., potato processing facility.

This $300 million investment will significantly expand McCain Foods North American production capacity through the addition of a state-of-the-art battered and conventional French fry processing line. Moreover, the expansion will bring an anticipated 180 new jobs and require approximately 11,000 additional acres to be sourced from local potato growers in the region.

“Thanks to our passionate farming partners and hardworking employees, McCain Foods has a rich history of producing high-quality food right here in Washington,” says Dale McCarthy, vice president of integrated supply chain.

McCain Foods Othello employs over 450 individuals who produce and distribute over 400,000 million pounds of frozen products. Completion of the expansion is anticipated in early 2021.