Cavendish Farms building new potato plant in Alberta

Dieppe, N.B.-based Cavendish Farms is constructing a brand new frozen potato processing plant in Lethbridge, Alta. The new $350-million facility which will replace its current aging plant.

“Cavendish Farms is pleased to be expanding our business in Lethbridge and we are proud of the relationship we have built with the city and the people who make up this community,” says Robert K. Irving, president of Cavendish Farms. “The opportunity to expand in Lethbridge, and remain within the region is very important to us. Lethbridge has provided Cavendish Farms with a cross-Canada presence that has helped fuel our growth and allowed us to reach key markets.”

A rendering of what the new Lethbridge plant will look like

Adds Irving, “This expansion is possible because of the commitment of Cavendish Farms employees, customers, growers, and suppliers. It is their efforts that have allowed us to grow and expand.”

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2017 and be completed by summer 2019. The new plant will allow Cavendish Farms to more than double its annual production capacity to meet growing demand and is expected to be more efficient, reducing the company’s carbon footprint.

“Our government is working with municipalities across Alberta to provide the right conditions for jobs, economic growth and diversification,” says Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Oneil Carlier. “This historic private investment will create good jobs and build on Lethbridge’s stellar reputation as a Canadian hub of Agri-food business innovation.”