McCain Foods' new state-of-the-art potato processing plant in Florenceville is slated to open next week.
The $65-million french fry factory will provide greater flexibility and improved efficiency but, at least initially, won't be used to its maximum production capabilities, McCain said Thursday.
The company said Thursday new equipment and processes at the new plant will reduce water use by 50 per cent, compared to the old plant, and lower electricity and heating costs.
"The (old) plant was sorely out of date,"said Farn.
The old french fry factory - the first constructed by McCain - was built more than 50 years ago. Construction of its replacement began in the spring of 2007.
Carbon emissions will be further reduced by the enhanced use of biogas, a renewable fuel made from potato waste used to run the factory's boiler.
McCain Foods employs about 1,300 people in Florenceville, and more than 2,500 throughout New Brunswick.
