J.R. Simplot recently announced a $460 million investment and expansion of the company's operations in Manitoba, Canada. The project, which is scheduled to begin this spring, will increase the size of the Simplot facility from 180,000 to 460,000 square feet.
The expansion will more than double the plant's need for potatoes from regional growers while increasing its employment by 87 new full-time positions. Current operations will continue during construction, with expanded processing capacity expected in fall 2019.
As part of the expansion, Simplot will incorporate similar energy and water-efficiency processes established at the company's plant in Caldwell, Idaho, which was recently awarded Food Processing Green Plant of the Year in 2017 by a leading industry publication.
The investment package provided by the Manitoba government includes tax increment financing up to $6.31 million to assist with anticipated capital investments and road improvements. Manitoba will also offer up to $522,000 in employee training contributions, according to the number of new positions. In addition, Manitoba Hydro will provide $1 million in PowerSmart program funding for electrical and natural gas efficiency projects, based on the plant meeting program guidelines.
"Manitoba delivers in so many ways that will help make this project a success," said Mark McKellar, Simplot's food group president. "It has access to quality potatoes, a strong grower community, availability of highly skilled employees and distribution routes that continue to expand our footprint. We are convinced Manitoba's business-friendly environment made this the right decision for the J.R. Simplot Company."
Founded in 1929, J.R. Simplot is headquartered in Boise, Idaho, with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and China, and marketing products to more than 40 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit www.simplot.com.