Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LW) has officially opened a new 40,000-square-meter frozen potato production facility in Mar del Plata, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The unveiling marks the culmination of a multi-year investment intended to strengthen the company’s Latin American footprint.

The facility is capable of processing 200 million pounds of potatoes annually and is designed to manufacture over 100 varieties of frozen potato products. Its first shipments have already been dispatched to Brazil, and approximately 80 % of its output is slated for export to Brazil and other regional markets—leveraging the strategic proximity of the Mar del Plata port.

“We’re excited to reach this important company milestone as the Mar del Plata, Argentina plant will be a key strategic asset in meeting customers’ needs and expanding our business in Latin America,” said Mike Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This grand opening marks the completion of our quest to build out a modern, state-of-the-art facility, setting new standards for quality, efficiency and sustainability, custom-made to meet customers’ requirements.”

Romina Broda, Vice President & General Manager for Latin America, added: “Opening our doors in Mar del Plata is significant for Lamb Weston and our customers, but also for Argentina, injecting additional income into the region, engaging experienced, innovative Argentine talent, and proudly supplying all of Latin America with our beloved French fries.” “We are pleased to invest in the local industry and, together, take Argentine quality and ingenuity to the broader region.”

To date, the company says the plant has created 250 direct jobs spanning administrative, technical, engineering, and operational roles. It projects that around 3,000 additional indirect jobs will emerge within the supply chain. Lamb Weston also reports collaboration with more than 100 local suppliers in sourcing raw materials, and that the plant has been designed with sustainable practices to minimize waste and optimize natural resource use.

As the company continues to expand in Latin America, this facility will serve as a central hub for servicing customers across the region.