The expansion will meet a growing demand for retail and foodservice customers in Canada and the US and marks the 60th anniversary for McCain Foods, a Canadian family-owned company.
Future product development
"Florenceville continues to be the French fry capital of the world,” said Jeff DeLapp, president, North America, McCain Foods.
“The official opening of the production line reflects McCain's ongoing commitment to invest in the needs of our consumers and customers, and the company's focus towards future product development and innovation.
"During our 60th year of business, investment in the Florenceville-Bristol facility is a testament to the importance the community holds as the birthplace of McCain Foods."
The 35,000 square foot potato specialty production line represents the largest capacity expansion investment in Canada in nearly 10 years.
The investment is reflective of the continued growth of the North American frozen potato and potato specialty segments in both the retail and food service businesses.
"In addition to the more than 40 jobs created, the construction build stimulated economic activity within the region, and an additional demand of 4,000 acres of potatoes will be supplied to the facility by New Brunswick potato farmers," added DeLapp.
Frozen desserts, snacks
Since the company was founded in 1957, McCain's frozen potatoes dominate a large market segment across all retail, food service and quick service restaurants (QSR) across Canada.
Its products are made from 100% real potatoes grown on farms close to its facilities in New Brunswick, Manitoba and Alberta.
"McCain is proud to partner with over 150 farming families across the country," said Shai Altman, president, McCain Foods (Canada).
"Our products are a direct result of the quality potatoes grown by farmers, many of whom share a multi-generational partnership with McCain, some dating back to our start 60 years ago."
McCain Foods has grown from its Florenceville, New Brunswick, roots with 30 employees and sales of $150,000 in its first year of business in 1957, to more than 20,000 employees operating out of 53 production facilities on six continents with sales in excess of CDN $9bn.
McCain Foods (Canada) is the Canadian division of McCain Foods Ltd, the world's largest manufacturer of frozen potato specialties and other products such as appetizers, vegetables, and desserts.
In Canada, the company has eight production facilities, approximately 2,600 employees and also makes frozen desserts, snacks, appetizers and authentic Chinese entrées.