McCain Foods makes $600M investment to expand Alberta facility

McCain Foods is making a $600 million investment to double the size of its facility and output in Coaldale, Alta. 

The project marks the company’s largest global investment in its 65-year history. 

Once fully operational, the expansion project will create two new production lines and double the workforce to 485 people. 

Construction is expected to start later this year.

"This will fuel continued growth for the business, allowing us to serve key markets further by bringing customers high quality potatoes that begin with our dedicated local farming community,” said Max Koeune, president and CEO, McCain Foods, in a statement. 

The expansion will include wind turbines and solar panels, providing 100% renewable electricity to the Coaldale site. 

Additionally, renewable biogas generated at the wastewater treatment facility will be maximized and transported to the steam boilers to offset natural gas demands, and a water recycling system will be implemented to produce clean potable water to be used in the manufacturing process.

McCain Foods has operated a processing facility in Coaldale since 2000, currently employing 225 people and working with potato farmers across Southern Alberta.