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McCain Foods spending $600 million, creating 265 jobs as it expands Alberta facility

McCain Foods is investing $600 million in its processing facility in Coaldale, Alta., more than doubling the size of its workforce in the town.

The company said it is creating 260 jobs with the investment, the largest in its history, and reconfirming its commitment to food production and agriculture in Canada.

“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,” said Max Koeune, president and CEO, 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.”

It said the expansion is coming with sustainability in mind as it works towards its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by half across its global operations by the end of the decade.

The expansion will include wind turbines and solar panels, providing 100 per cent 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, it said.

To further build on sustainability efforts, a water recycling system will be implemented to produce clean potable water to be used in the manufacturing process.

Once fully operational, the expansion project will add both hourly and salaried employees to work on these lines, more than doubling the workforce at Coaldale to 485. Construction on the expansion is expected to start later this year.

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