Agricultural company Simplot is spending $460 million to expand its Manitoba-based operations near Portage la Prairie.
Construction will begin this spring to increase the size of the potato plant from 180,000 to 460,000 square feet. The expansion will also create 87 new full-time positions.
“Manitoba delivers in so many ways that will help make this project a success,” said Mark McKellar, food group president, Simplot.
“It has access to quality potatoes, a strong grower community, availability of highly skilled employees and distribution routes that continue to expand our footprint. We are convinced Manitoba’s business-friendly environment made this the right decision for the J.R. Simplot Company.”
Both Simplot and the Manitoba government made the announcement Wednesday morning.
The province is providing tax increment financing up to $6.31 million, as well as up to $522,000 in employee training contributions, based on the number of new positions.
Manitoba Hydro will provide $1 million in PowerSmart program funding for electrical and natural gas efficiency projects, based on the plant meeting program guidelines.
Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2019.
