OTHELLO - The world’s largest frozen French fry producer, McCain Foods USA Inc., a division of McCain Foods Limited, announced a $300 million investment in their potato processing facility in Othello on Wednesday.

The money will go to a planned 170,000-square-foot expansion and will add “another state-of-the-art battered and conventional French fry processing line to it’s production capabilities in the U.S.,” reads a press release.

The $300 million investment into the facility is expected to bring 180 new jobs to the area. The investment will also reduce the company’s carbon footprint, while doubling production at the same time. Construction is expected to begin this month, with the expansion’s anticipated completion coming by early 2021.

“This investment signals confidence in Washington, its potato growing community and its skilled workforce availability,” said Jeff DeLapp, President, North America. “It quickly follows other McCain capacity investments, helping to meet the continued increasing demand for McCain products and builds toward a strong, sustainable future in manufacturing and agriculture.”

The company says the additional capacity will require the acquisition of 11,000 additional acres, which will be sourced from local potato growers.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at rbyrd@columbiabasinherald.com.