Lamb Weston/Meijer (LW/M) has started up its new potato processing line in Bergen op Zoom, the Netherlands. A festive ceremony marked the occasion, which was attended by employees, suppliers, the local mayor and the King’s Commissioner.
Toasting the new line and renovated plant in Bergen op Zoom are (left to right): B. J. Maris of Lamb Weston/Meijer (LW/M); King’s Commissioner W. van de Donk; Mayor F.A. Petter; LW/M Chief Executive Officer Bas Alblas; and J. Blair of LW/M.In addition to the new line, which doubles output capacity, the entire facility has been renovated, including the original production line. The EUR 120 million investment significantly enhances the company’s ability to process potatoes more efficiently and sustainably to meet global growing demand for frozen potato products. In addition to french fries, a variety of specialties including Twisters and Crisscuts can be produced according the newest production methods.
The state-of-the-art production line features innovation in the cutting, optical sorting, frying, freezing and utility areas. This is consistent with the sustainability goals of LW/M, which revolve around creating shared value.
Joost Polderdijk, project leader of De Kok Bouwgroep, commented: “A special feature of this project is that production continued during the 1.5-year expansion process.”
The expansion of the plant reconfirms that Bergen op Zoom – situated in the southwest of the country, not far from the Belgian border – is an ideal location for the supply and processing of potatoes as well as for distribution of finished products to customers throughout Europe and beyond.
The grand opening of the new potato processing line and complete modernization at Lamb Weston/Meijer’s plant in Bergen op Zoom was a colorful, festive event.Expansion is taking place not only in the Netherlands. Earlier this year, Lamb Weston/Meijer and Belaya Dacha established a joint venture to build a french fry plant in Russia. It is scheduled to will become operational early in 2018.
“The joint venture with Belaya Dacha and the new production line in Bergen op Zoom reflect our ambition to meet the growing demand for high quality potato products in a sustainable way,” said CEO Bas Alblas.
“The expansion and renovation of our plant, which has created more than 60 new jobs, fits in our sustainability strategy: less water, less energy, less emissions and less residues. We process the potatoes as optimally as possible,” said Jan Maris, plant manager in Bergen op Zoom.
