McCain Foods has announced plans to invest $100m in its first french fry factory in Brazil to strengthen its expansion strategy.

The company intends to build the plant in Araxá, Minas Gerais.

McCain Brazil general director Aluizio Neto said: “With the construction of the new factory in Brazil, McCain will enhance its distribution, create efficiencies in supply and consequently improve its service level and product offering in the local market.”

once open in 2021, the Brazilian facility is expected to significantly increase the company’s production capacity in Latin America.

The facility will create 150 direct and 450 indirect jobs, as well as positively impact approximately 750 farmers and agricultural professionals.

Additionally, it is expected to support McCain’s other South American plant located in Balcarce, Argentina, and help to fuel the company’s growth plans for the Brazilian market.

Last year, McCain acquired a 49% stake in Forno de Minas, which specialises in bread snacks and appetizers.

In May, the company acquired 70% of Sérya, a Brazilian company specialising in preformed potato products.

Financial details of the deal have not been divulged.

Established in 2015, Sérya has technology facilities that guarantee quality and production flexibility, as well as a wide range of innovative potato products for the Brazilian market.

With the acquisition of Sérya, McCain has further strengthened its position in the Brazilian market.

McCain do Brasil Alimentos, a division of McCain Foods, operates 53 production facilities on six continents.