ConAgra completes plant expansion

ConAgra Foods has completed expansion of its Lamb Weston frozen potato facility in Boardman, Oregon. The $200 million investment announced in 2012 adds a new processing line to the plant, increasing capacity for making french fries and other frozen potato products, and also adds more than 100 jobs to the local economy.



During a special grand opening ceremony held last week, Lamb Weston employees were joined by representatives from Columbia River Enterprise Zone, Port of Morrow, city of Boardman, Morrow County and state of Oregon.



“We appreciate the efforts and support of all our community partners,” said Greg Schlafer, president, Lamb Weston. “The completion of our new production line allows us to expand the outstanding work our employees do every day to make great tasting french fries from the high-quality potatoes grown throughout the region. We can continue to build upon the strong relationships we have with our customers while meeting their growing needs. And, we can expand the reach of foods grown and prepared in the Columbia River Basin beyond our shores.”



The 192,000-sq.-ft., state-of-the-art addition further enhances Lamb Weston’s flexibility to make many different varieties of frozen potato and other vegetable products. The addition gives Lamb Weston five production lines in two plants in Boardman and increases capacity by an estimated 300 million pounds annually. Additionally, easy access to Port of Morrow supports Lamb Weston’s domestic and international growth plans.



“We couldn’t be more pleased with ConAgra Foods’ investment and commitment to Boardman and the entire Columbia River Basin,” said Gary Neal, GM, Port of Morrow. “Our work together is an excellent example of what can happen when members of a thriving community come together.”



ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston is one of the largest employers in the Columbia River Basin. The company operates seven facilities in the region employing nearly 4,500 people, including 750 employees in Boardman and 500 in Hermiston, Oregon.



The existing Boardman facility is EPA Energy Star certified as a result of employee efforts to reduce energy, reuse water and increase recycling. The expansion was built with technology and sustainable construction techniques pioneered at Lamb Weston’s Delhi, La., sweet potato operation, which is LEED platinum certified.