SAO PAULO, BRAZIL — McCain Foods announced plans to build its first french fry facility in Brazil.

Brazil is currently the world’s fifth largest frozen pre-fried potato market, and one of the company’s major global focuses. The $100 million plant is one of several recent investments aimed at strengthening the brand’s expansion strategy in the Brazilian market.

In May, the company acquired 70% of Brazilian potato products company Serya. Last year, the company acquired 49% of Forno de Minas, which specializes in bread snacks and appetizers.

With the new plant, McCain said it is now focusing on its main growth category: frozen french fries.

The project will be located in the city of Araxa and is due to be opened in early 2021. It is expected to generate 150 direct jobs, 450 indirect jobs and positively impact approximately 450 farmers, according to the company.

“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,” said Aluizio Neto, general director of McCain in Brazil.