Lamb Weston Holdings has announced an expansion of frozen french fry processing capacity in Argentina with the planned construction of a new manufacturing facility in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires. The Eagle, Idaho, USA-headquartered company recently increased its stake in the South American joint venture, Lamb Weston Alimentos Modernos S.A., from 50% to 90%.
“Our investment in a new french fry processing facility demonstrates continued confidence in the growing global market for frozen french fries, and our commitment to serving our customers in Argentina and the broader South American market,” stated Lamb Weston President and CEO Tom Werner on September 6. “We’re grateful for the partnership of Sociedad Comercial del Plata, and the expertise they’ve shared over the last three years. We felt it was the right time to increase our interest in the joint venture, and we look forward to continuing to work with them as we expand in the region.”
The new processing facility in Mar del Plata is expected to produce more than 200 million pounds of frozen french fries and other potato products per year for the 2-billion-pound South American market.
Construction of the new line is expected to be completed by mid-calendar year 2024, and will add approximately 250 new jobs to the payroll. The total investment is expected to be approximately $240 million, subject to inflation and exchange rates at the time. This investment will add to the capacity produced at the joint venture’s existing manufacturing facility in Munro, Buenos Aires.
In business for more than 70 years, Lamb Weston, along with its joint venture partners, is a leading supplier of frozen potato, sweet potato, appetizer and vegetable products to restaurants and retailers around the world.
