Penobscot McCrum

A Cornerstone in French Fry Production

Sealand Overcomes Challenges to Deliver Penobscot McCrum’s Presque Isle Facility On Time

Penobscot McCrum’s French fry processing plant is a cutting-edge facility in Presque Isle, Maine, designed to streamline potato receiving, processing, packaging, and cold storage. The 40-acre site integrates existing structures and complies with USDA and CFIA standards.

Beyond the complexities of constructing this 38-foot-high facility, the true challenge lay in meeting an ambitious timeline. As the design-build contractor, Sealand worked closely with stakeholders, navigating permitting and site-specific issues, including an accelerated schedule that saw mobilization in May 2019.

Located on a greenfield site, Sealand addressed several unique challenges, such as installing a glycol subfloor system for cold storage and building interstitial spaces for mechanical systems. The project’s tight schedule was managed efficiently, with the building weather-tight by December 2019.

This state-of-the-art facility is now fully operational and ready to meet the high demand for frozen potato products.

The plant features specialized areas for processing, packaging, and cold storage, with a focus on efficiency and long-term durability. Sealand self-performed critical installations, including insulated metal panels, vapor barriers, and concrete aprons.

Despite a challenging timeline, the facility was completed on schedule by June 2020, marking a major success in food production for the region.

Project Details

Client: Penobscot McCrum

Location: Presque Isle, Maine

Budget: $75 Million

Building Area: 125,500 SF

Delivery Model:  Design Build Lump Sum

Project Duration: 18 months including Pre-Construction phase

Construction Duration: 355 days to producing finished product

Number of trades: 40

Average daily trades on site: 50 to 150 trades people per day