McCain Foods calling for expressions of interest in plant

The P.E.I. government and McCain Foods have called for expressions of interest from companies interested in buying the former potato processing plant in Albany.

McCain officials says there has already been some interest from companies in the plant, which closed at the end of October.

Calla Farn, vice-president of government and public relations and corporate affairs for McCain Foods Canada, saidjob creation and economic spin offs for the local community will be weighed heavily when proposals are considered.

"We recognize that the impact that the closure has on the community and we are trying to offset some of that", said Farn.

"We're looking primarily, with potential buyers, things like their financial viability, demonstrated experience and ability to operate in whatever business they plan to bring to the plant, and also looking at the expected economic impact of the proposed projects."

Farn saidprior to issuing the advertisements for expressions of interest, more than one company had already shown interest.She said those proposals are still under discussion.

She noted this is a call to see what other businesses might be interested. They have until mid-January to put in a proposal.

The property includes the processing facility, three storage buildings and a standalone waste water treatment plant which is owned by the P.E.I. government.

Farn saidall the processing equipment is now being removed. Decommissioning will not be finished until spring, because some of the work can't be conducted over the winter.

Farn hopesa new buyer will be in place by late spring.

Contribution to local economic development fund

McCain Foods is contributing $2 million to help economic development in the region. Farn saidthat money will be allocated by the provincial government.

A steering committee has been set up,made up of government and McCain representatives to provide recommendations and some guidance on how the money might be used.

The government will have the final say on how that money is spent, she said.