Area Development
ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston has opened the first phase of its frozen sweet potato product facility in Delhi, Louisiana. The company has already generated $156 million in capital investments and created 275 jobs.

"The Delhi plant is the culmination of our decade-long experience with sweet potato processing technologies and product innovation," said ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston President Jeff DeLapp. "Today's official grand opening ribbon cutting celebrates the past year and a half of intense planning and construction, building our most sustainable plant to date. It is a singular accomplishment and true cornerstone of our continuing leadership in the industry."

The company announced the project in August 2009. The second phase will entail a capital investment of between $55 million and $100 million, and should be completed by February 2014. ConAgra will receive up to $37.4 million in assistance towards the project from the Mega Project Development Fund. Louisiana FastStart, the state's job training program, will assist ConAgra with labor needs.

The facility is one of the first of its kind in the country to be built from the ground up based on LEED environmental standards.

The project will also offer a boost to the state's sweet potato farmers. Louisiana currently has 15,000 acres of sweet potato plantings, the third most in the nation.