Potato News from Washington

Re-zoning requests related to the construction of a new Potato Processing Plant by J.R. Simplot in the west side of Walla Walla county (Washington, United States) have been approved, enabling Simplot to move forward.

Key Technology announces the appointment of Ray Kramer to the position of Senior Director of North America Sales.

Key Technology introduces the highest capacity digital sorter in the food processing industry – the new VERYX® B210.

A potato processing company in Pasco, Washington has agreed to pay $100,000 to settle a Department of Justice investigation into whether it discriminated against immigrants when it ordered workers to verify their employment authorization in violation of federal law.

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. joined with community and civic leaders today to celebrate the completed expansion of its operations in Richland, Washington.

Key Technology introduces new features that enhance their vibratory conveyors – Iso-Flo®, Impulse®, Horizon™ and Marathon – for food processing and packaging lines.

Amazon and Whole Foods Market today announced that Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market will close on Monday August 28, 2017 and a number of changes will be implemented right away.

Volm Companies, Inc., an industry leader in providing the highest quality packaging and equipment solutions to the fresh produce industry, has opened their new 90,000 square foot facility located in Pasco, Washington.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that potato producers in Washington voted to continue their federal marketing order program.

Key Technology expands its VERYX® family of digital sorters with the addition of the new VERYX C70. This small chute-fed sorter is ideal for low- to mid-capacity production lines.

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:WFM) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire Whole Foods Market for $42 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $13.7 billion, including Whole Foods Market’s net debt.

Lamb Weston has started the construction of additional potato storage facilities in Pasco, Washington, representing an investment of USD 3.4 million

Key Technology expands its VERYX® family of digital sorters with the introduction of the VERYX B140, a medium-capacity belt-fed sorter with a 1400-mm wide inspection zone.

Washington potato producers will vote from June 9–23, 2017, on whether to continue the federal marketing order regulating the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Washington.

Key Technology introduces new product-specific infeed and collection conveyors for their new VERYX® digital sorters. Designed to work together with VERYX belt-fed and chute-fed sorters as integrated systems, Key’s vibratory shakers and belt conveyors bring together the company’s expertise in both product handling and sorting.

As construction advances on Lamb Weston’s new french fry line in Richland, Washington, the US-based potato processing giant is preparing to hire workers.

Earlier this month Amazon introduced its new grocery store concept Amazon Go. Amazon Go is a new kind of store with no checkout required.

Agribusiness giant J. R. Simplot is seeking receivership over two of its vegetable suppliers, claiming mismanagement of the $400-million-grossing companies threatens 2,000 jobs and could end in bankruptcy without court intervention.