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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

ConAgra Foods Lamp Weston Plans $200 Million Expansion Of Its Boardman, Oregon Plant With Help Of State And Local Incentives

02/15/2013
ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston plans an estimated $200 million, 192,000 square foot, expansion to its Boardman, Oregon plant, adding a new line to increase its capacity for making french fries and other frozen potato products.

The company said its expansion, with the assistance of local and state tax incentives, is expected to create 100 new full time jobs and approximately 200 construction jobs for the region.

“Our need to expand is a testament to our strong customer partnerships, our great-tasting french fries, and the outstanding work our employees do every day to create food people love,” said Rick Martin, vice president, Global Operations, ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston. “This expansion also reflects our confidence in the region’s growers to deliver high-quality potatoes while working with state and local government to ensure long-term, sustainable growing practices. We specifically appreciate the efforts and support of the Columbia River Enterprise Zone, Port of Morrow, city of Boardman, Morrow County and the State of Oregon and are proud to be an active part of this thriving community.” Construction is expected to begin in early 2013 with completion in 2014.

Business Oregon Director Tim McCabe recently presented the firm with a $350,000 check for a forgivable loan from the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund. The award is contingent upon the company creating approximately 100 new full-time jobs over a two-year period. In addition to the SRF loan, city and county officials extended enterprise zone benefits to the company for the expansion, and Business Oregon’s Infrastructure Finance Authority expects to work with the Port of Morrow on infrastructure improvements at the site.

“We are excited about ConAgra Foods’ commitment to expand its operations in the Columbia Basin,” said Gov. John Kitzhaber. “This is a great example of a successful partnership between the State of Oregon, the Port of Morrow, the city of Boardman and Morrow County to help ensure that a major employer expands and can continue to be successful in the region for years to come.”

ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston is one of the largest employers in the Columbia River Basin, an area known for its potatoes and other vegetables. The company operates seven facilities in the region, employing nearly 4,500 people, including 500 employees in Boardman and 500 in Hermiston, Oregon.

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