Celebration marks opening of new McCain Foods potato processing plant in Florenceville

On a sunny afternoon in Florenceville-Bristol, McCain Foods officially opened its $65-million potato processing plant on Thursday, Sept. 4.

The plant was announced in 2006 and began construction in the spring of 2007. It replaces the first factory ever built by McCain Foods more than 50 years ago.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by employees past and present, along with representatives from the provincial and federal governments. Also in attendance were several members of the McCain family, including the sister of founders Wallace and Harrison McCain, Marie Sutherland.

New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham called the opening a great day for Carleton County, and called the McCains an example for the rest of New Brunswick.

"They have shown us we're only limited by the scope of our dreams and not the size of our hometown,"the premier said.