Eagle company opens plant in Argentina

An Eagle-based supplier of frozen potato products has expanded its global footprint into South America.

Lamb Weston, a 75-year-old Idaho company that provides frozen potato and sweet potato products to restaurants, retailers and other business around the world, have opened a production facility in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

The state-of-the-art plant, which has the ability to process 200 million pounds of potatoes annually, has taken years to complete, the company stated, and will allow Lamb Weston to better serve the growing Latin America market with more than 100 varieties of frozen potato products.

“We’re excited to reach this important company milestone as the Mar del Plata, Argentina, plant will be a key strategic asset in meeting customers’ needs and expanding our business in Latin America,” said Mike Smith, president and CEO. “This grand opening marks the completion of our quest to build out a modern, state-of-the-art facility, setting new standards for quality, efficiency and sustainability, custom-made to meet customers’ requirements.”

According to the company, the plant is already up and running, having completed its first shipments north to Brazil. The plant will export nearly 80% of its products to Latin American markets due to its “strategic location” on Argentina’s east coast. Mar del Plata is just under 254 miles from Buenos Aires, the country’s capital city.

“Opening our doors in Mar del Plata is significant for Lamb Weston and our customers, but also for Argentina, injecting additional income into the region, engaging experienced, innovative Argentine talent, and proudly supplying all of Latin America with our beloved French fries,” said Romina Broda, vice president and general manager of Latin America. “We are pleased to invest in the local industry and, together, take Argentine quality and ingenuity to the broader region.”

Lamb Weston stated that the plant created 250 direct jobs from administrative and engineering to operational positions. It added that about 3,000 indirect jobs will be created because of the plant’s construction, and the company is working with more than 100 local producers in the country to source products.