Celebrating the Official Opening of the Columbia Basin Facility

Global Food’s new Columbia Basin facility has now officially opened, marking the completion of a significant investment in this state of the art potato processing site and a proud milestone for everyone who helped bring this vision to life. The celebration brought together employees along with members of the Simplot Family, the Board of Directors, the Simplot Leadership Team and the Global Food Leadership Team.

Global Food President, Graham Dugdale, reflected on the importance of the investment, noting that the facility represents the Company’s long term ambition and confidence in the Columbia Basin. He emphasized the level of care that went into designing for safety, sharing that the layout of equipment, walkways and work areas shows how seriously the team approached this priority. Graham added that many visitors have described Columbia Basin as one of the cleanest and most impressive facilities they have seen, which he believes is a testament to the entire team who designed, built and now operate it.

Global Food President, Graham Dugdale, reflected on the importance of the investment, noting that the facility represents the Company’s long term ambition and confidence in the Columbia Basin. He emphasized the level of care that went into designing for safety, sharing that the layout of equipment, walkways and work areas shows how seriously the team approached this priority. Graham added that many visitors have described Columbia Basin as one of the cleanest and most impressive facilities they have seen, which he believes is a testament to the entire team who designed, built and now operate it.

Watch the build come to life in this time lapse video.

Closing the proceedings, Scott Simplot and Gay Simplot each recognized the hard work and dedication of the Columbia Basin team, highlighting that their efforts can be seen throughout the new facility. A commemorative plaque was presented by Simplot Family members Gay Simplot, Scott Simplot, Ted Simplot and John Otter to the Columbia Basin team.

Columbia Basin began operating ahead of schedule in November. With around 200 employees, advanced technology and a design that prioritizes people safety, food safety and quality, as well as sustainability and efficiency, the site reflects Simplot’s continued investment in our people, our customers and the communities we serve.

More than a new plant, Columbia Basin represents what can be achieved when great people come together with a shared purpose — and that is something worth celebrating.