Cavendish Farms Announces Expansion and Construction of New Potato Processing Plant in Lethbridge, Alberta
Lethbridge, Alberta – Cavendish Farms is pleased to announce the expansion of its business in Lethbridge, Alberta, with the construction of a new frozen potato processing plant. Today’s approval by Lethbridge City Council for the purchase of land in the Sherring Industrial Park is the first step towards the construction of a $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.” Mr. Irving further adds, “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.”
“Our government is working with municipalities across Alberta to provide the right conditions for jobs, economic growth, and diversification,” says 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.”
Pictured with the rendering of the new Cavendish Farms plant, from left to right are 48-year employee Gerry Patterson, Director of Operations, Cavendish Farms Lethbridge, Lee Gleim, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Cavendish Farms, Ron Clow, President of Cavendish Farms, Robert K. Irving, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Oneil Carlier, Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman, Trevor Lewington, CEO Economic Development Lethbridge, Grower Greg Nakamura. |
“The City of Lethbridge is thrilled with the decision by Cavendish Farms to stay in southern Alberta and the commitment they’ve made to our city,” says City of Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman. “This is the largest investment in our city’s history, and we are tremendously excited to be part of this growth. The positive economic impact of today’s announcement and the investment Cavendish Farms is making in our community are something we are very proud of.”
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 will be more efficient, reducing our carbon footprint.
About Cavendish Farms
Cavendish Farms is a family-owned company that produces quality frozen potato and appetizer products for the North American and international food industry, supplying customers in the retail, restaurant, and institutional sectors. We operate four potato processing plants – two on Prince Edward Island, one in Lethbridge, Alberta, and one in Jamestown, North Dakota. We also operate a fifth plant specializing in appetizer products in Wheatley, Ontario.
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For further information please contact:
Mary Keith, VP of Communications
J.D. Irving, Limited
Cell: 506-650-8209
Email: keith.mary@jdirving.com
Tara Grindle, Communications Consultant
City of Lethbridge
Cell: 403-360-0984
Email: tara.grindle@lethbridge.ca