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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Folkland Foods Expands Erie County, Pennsylvania, Operations

11/05/2024
Potato producer Folkland Foods plans to expand its operations in Waterford, Pennsylvania. The $7 million project is expected to create 50 jobs over the next three years in Erie County.

The investment will include an 8,100-square-foot addition to the company’s existing facility to house manufacturing and ancillary equipment, a 3,600-square-foot addition for a freezer warehouse to store frozen finished goods, and a 16,000-square-foot potato warehouse to store raw potatoes and ensure year-round availability.

“Two generations ago, a couple of Pennsylvania Mennonite farm boys started with a simple idea on this farm: grow potatoes, make potato chips. Simple in design, undoubtedly complex in execution, but the brothers built a well-loved business and found great success,” said Zack Troyer, co-founder of Folkland Foods. “Our intention today is to honor that legacy and use the good fortunes and lessons to create new opportunity in our community and state. Our vision for Folkland Foods is as simple as my grandfather’s: grow organic potatoes, make french fries. We took a huge leap, betting the farm that we could make clean organic food, and create meaningful, sustaining jobs. We are humbled to have Governor Shapiro’s support and intend to pay it forward by putting Pennsylvania on the map as a leader in organic food, regenerative farming, and mission-driven business.”

The project is being supported by a $3 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Grant. RACP grant funding will help defray construction costs for the new facilities required to manufacture frozen potato products and build a potato storage warehouse.

"Folkland Foods exemplifies Pennsylvania's innovative spirit in agriculture by transforming the potato industry with new products and market channels," noted Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "The Troyer family's vision not only supports farmers but also highlights the vast opportunities for food businesses in our state. In response to growing consumer demand for organic products, this investment aligns with Governor Shapiro's initiatives like PA Preferred Organic™ and the Organic Center of Excellence, driving growth and fostering sustainability – putting agriculture at the forefront of his Administration's plan to make Pennsylvania the place for business."

Folkland Foods’ parent company, Troyer Inc. is the only organic potato supplier on the East Coast.

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