Simplot announces $460 million expansion of Canadian based operations

The Manitoba government and J.R. Simplot Company announced a major investment and expansion in the company’s Manitoba-based operations near Portage la Prairie today. Premier Brian Pallister and Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler were joined by ‎Mark McKellar from ‎Simplot to make the announcement. “Our government is excited to join Simplot today to announce a historic investment and expansion of their Manitoba operations,” said Pallister. Simplot confirmed the $460 million construction project is expected to begin this spring and will increase the size of the facility from 180,000 to 460,000 square feet. The expansion will more than double the plant’s need for potatoes from regional growers, while increasing its employment by 87 expected new full-time positions. Current operations are expected to continue during construction, with expanded processing capacity expected in fall 2019. More