McCain Foods is doubling the size of its facility and output in Coaldale in what the company calls its largest global investment in its history. McCain says the project will create 260 jobs in the region.
“The development in Alberta marks our largest global investment in our 65-year history, totalling $600 million, while underscoring our commitment to the future of agriculture and innovation in Canada,” says Max Koeune, president and chief executive officer of McCain Foods. “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.”
The company says the project aligns with what it calls its sustainability commitments, including cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half across its global operations. The Coaldale expansion project will include wind turbines and solar power, which the company says will provide 100 per cent renewable electricity at the site.
Renewable biogas generated at the wastewater treatment facility will also be transported to 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.
The project will create both hourly and salary jobs and will more than double the workforce in the Coaldale facility. Currently McCain employs 225 people in Coaldale and it has been operational in the community since 2000.
Construction is set to start later this year.
