Lamb Weston/Meijer, a joint venture between ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston, Omaha, Neb., and Netherlands-based Meijer Frozen Food, announced plans to invest approximately $150 million to expand its frozen potato facility in Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands. This strategic investment will add a second production line to the plant—increasing capacity for making French fries and other premium frozen potato specialties—and is expected to create approximately 50 new jobs. The line is currently planned to be fully operational in mid-2016.

The expansion by Lamb Weston/Meijer is consistent with ConAgra Foods’ strategy to grow its international business.

“ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston is well positioned to meet customers’ emerging market growth through our highly efficient, well-established dual sourcing model supplying our customer base with frozen potato products from both North America and Europe,” says Paul Maass, president private brands and commercial foods, ConAgra Foods. “In addition, local potato sourcing and production will play an important role in the future for select countries, such as China, where we expect the most growth.”

ConAgra Foods began production in its newly acquired frozen potato facility in Shangdu, Inner Mongolia, on Oct. 31 after investing in updates to the facility to meet exacting standards for employee safety, food safety and quality. In June, ConAgra Foods completed the expansion of its frozen potato facility in Boardman, Ore., which supports domestic and international customer growth.