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Idaho dairy farmers produce more milk and cheese than almost any state in the nation. Idaho is ranked third behind California and Wisconsin.

Burley, Idaho Potato Processor Plans Expansion

potatoes
Kris Krug
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Flickr Creative Commons

Executives with a southern Idaho food processing plant are planning to invest $100 million to expand and add another production line in hopes of keeping pace with increased demand for processed potatoes.

McCain Foods is one of Burley's biggest employers, and the company's announcement Wednesday will create more jobs for the community and provide more opportunities for potato growers.

The Times-News reports the expansion is a response to the growing demand nationally and abroad for processed spuds like tater tots, hash browns, French Fries and other products.

The facility already employs 550 people in Burley.

Company spokeswoman Cathy Sharifi says there is no estimate on the number of new jobs that will be created. She says the new production line is expected to open in late 2015.

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