b'Fry Plant ExpansionUp and Running Two years after it was announced, the expansion at Simplots Portage la Prairie plant is now fully functioning and taking more spuds. BY: ASHLEY ROBINSONJUST AS J.R. SIMPLOT COMPANY finished construction on the expansion ofdoubled the plants potato requirement. The expansion also added 87 new their Portage la Prairie, Man. potato processing plant, North America wentfull-time positions. into a lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19, causing a drop in french fryFor the most part, construction was able to stay on schedule over the demandforcing the company to pivot. past two years, Jordan says. However, there was some winter weather which This has to do with demand, and weve experienced a shift in demand,impacted things early on with construction, but it didnt cause any significant Josh Jordan, senior manager of communications and public relations forchanges.Simplot, says in an email. Were seeing a big rise in demand for quick serviceWhile the expansion first started accepting potatoes last fall, it wasnt restaurants and products that hold up well for delivery, which is good for us. fully complete until earlier this year. As of right now, Simplot says they are on Simplot was able to complete construction on the expansion before lock- target with their potato purchasing for the plant for this year.down measures went into place. While the pandemic didnt affect construc- The expansion includes the latest advancements in potato processing, tion, it has affected demand for products from the plant.Jordan explains. In 2014, Simplot built a new plant in Idaho. When planning This is impacting our customers and growing partners as well, but werethe Portage expansion, Simplot used what they had learned about automation working to provide the products that our customers need the most right now,and sustainability from the Idaho plant, for it. Jordan says. Were doing things better and more efficiently, but that hasnt meant In July, the company announced a new line of fries which stay crisp for 40- significant changes for growers, Jordan says.plus minutes after cooking. A starch-based clear coating keeps the fries freshThe plant expansion has meant an increase in potatoes needed from Manito-and crisp. With takeout and delivery demand at restaurants rising during theba growers. According to Statistics Canada, Manitoba farmers planted 72,000 COVID-19 pandemic, having fries which stay fresh longer is important. acres of potatoes this year, up by 2,000 acres from last year. However, in 2019 The Portage processing plant originally opened in 2003, and prior togrowers expanded acreage by 5,900 acres compared to the previous year.expansion had the capacity to process over 300 million lbs. of potato productsThe increased capabilities of the plant will mean more potatoes going per year. It makes frozen french fries and formed potato products for majorthrough the system, which is good for our farming partners, Jordan explains.quick-service restaurant chains and other customers in the eastern, south- The Simplot Portage plant expansion isnt the only recent increase to pro-eastern and midwestern United States. cessing capacity in Canada. Last year, Cavendish Farms opened a new $430 The $460 million construction project was announced in 2018. It expandedmillion frozen potato processing plant in Lethbridge, Alta.the size of the facility from 180,000 to 460,000 square feet and more than Simplot expanded the size of its Portage La Prairie, Man. plant from 180,000 to 460,000 square feet. PHOTO: ASHLEY ROBINSON42 SPUDSMART.COM FALL 2020'