McCain Foods Smithton plant now capable of producing battered retail french fries

In Tasmania, Australia, McCain Foods has completed the upgrade of its Smithton plant. The capital invest included an expansion on its retail production and the installation of a new fryer and batter applicator.

Completing construction and commissioning a AUS 37 million plant upgrade, managing staff to continue operations in the middle of Tasmania’s COVID-19 hotspot, and navigating ever-changing shift profiles - has been a challenge.

As one of the region’s largest employers, McCain Foods has officially “come out on the other side” with the site’s production recently returning to a full seven-day roster. With upgrade construction at its final stages when the pandemic hit, the site was left with just 15 per cent of its commissioning resources to reach completion and become fully operational. At the same time, international specialist engineering and construction staff were prevented from arriving to train staff and get the plant up and running.

Gordon Gillies, Smithton plant manager, said McCain focused on its commitment to the health and safety of the company’s 120 permanent employees in Smithton, implementing a reduced five-day operation pattern to cater for workers with primary carer responsibilities, vulnerable family members or close contacts of COVID-19 cases.

Gordon Gillies, Smithton plant manager:

“The pandemic presented challenges for all of us – but the way our people adapted enabled us to keep production levels high and continue to fulfill our responsibility to supply food to our fellow Australians. As a team, every person played a significant part in making the upgrade operational and getting production back on track.”

The capital investment, including an expansion on its retail production and installation of a new fryer and batter applicator, marks the Smithton site as the business’s primary retail production facility for Australia and New Zealand.

Throughout construction, the project injected an additional AUS 6.4 million into the Circular Head region – with resources, accommodation and ancillary spending.

Mr Gillies said he was proud of the commitment and cooperation shown by all Smithton staff, and thanked them for their positivity and resilience during these challenging times. “We are pleased to be upskilling our team with the new equipment and as well as expanding our permanent workforce – a demonstration of our going commitment to production in the region.” 

Gordon Gillies:

“We love our people, and Australians love our golden chips. We’re proud to be bringing the best of Tassie to the supermarket freezer aisle working with local growers, our logistics partners and all employees to continue to deliver delicious products.”