Lamb Weston will close its plant in Munro, Argentina, and consolidate production for Latin America at its modern plant in Mar del Plata, the company reported. It stated that "the closure of Munro reflects the ongoing strategy to improve profitability and operational and capital efficiency across the global manufacturing network." The company's supply chain director, Sylvia Wilks, explained that "effectively managing costs throughout our supply chain is essential to create value for our customers while allowing us to prioritize investments that modernize physical assets and keep operations efficient, resilient, and prepared for future growth." The company, which supplies frozen french fries to restaurants and retailers, promised that "approximately 100 employees affected by the Munro closure will receive severance packages in accordance with local requirements and regulations." The new plant, located on an 18-hectare site, can produce 120,000 tons of frozen pre-fried potatoes per year, 4,200 tons of flake potato puree, and 1,750 tons of potato starch. Between 250 and 300 people will work there, and the company already plans to invest another US$130 million in the coming years. Lamb Weston, one of the giants in frozen french fry production, announced the closure of its plant in the Munro district and the dismissal of a hundred employees. The news was surprising because the company had recently launched a large plant in the Mar del Plata Industrial Park, according to the Noticias Argentinas news agency. There, the company invested US$320 million to build its largest plant on the continent, with 90% of its production destined for export. The company considers that "Argentina has the best potato in the world" and seeks to supply mainly Brazil, the main focus of exports, as indicated by Romina Broda, VP Latam of Lamb Weston. Now, it has been announced that the company will consolidate all its business at the new plant.
