Potato Factory Amarillo TX: What You Need to Know

The Lamb-Weston potato processing facility in Amarillo, Texas is a major industrial operation that processes potatoes into frozen french fries and other potato products for global distribution. Unlike a tourist attraction, this is a working manufacturing plant not open to public tours, located at 1800 S. Polk St., Amarillo, TX 79109, operating as a key supplier to restaurants and foodservice providers nationwide.

If you're searching for a "potato factory" to visit in Amarillo, you're likely referring to the Lamb-Weston facility—the region's primary potato processing operation. This industrial site processes approximately 1.2 million pounds of potatoes daily from local Texas Panhandle farms, transforming them into frozen french fries distributed to restaurants across North America. Understanding what this facility actually is—and isn't—can save you time and set proper expectations before planning any visit.

What Is the Amarillo Potato Processing Facility?

The Lamb-Weston plant in Amarillo represents one of the largest potato processing operations in the Texas Panhandle region. Established in 1998 and expanded multiple times since, this 300,000-square-foot facility serves as a critical link between local potato growers and foodservice providers. Unlike the name "potato factory" might suggest to some visitors, this is strictly an industrial manufacturing site with no public showroom, visitor center, or tour options available.

Local agricultural economists estimate that the Amarillo facility supports approximately 200 full-time jobs while creating additional seasonal employment during peak processing months from August through November. The plant primarily processes Russet Burbank potatoes grown within a 100-mile radius in the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma.

Facility Operations Timeline

Understanding the evolution of potato processing in Amarillo provides context for what exists today:

Year	Development	Production Capacity
1998	Original facility construction completed	500,000 lbs/day
2005	First major expansion	750,000 lbs/day
2012	Automation technology upgrade	900,000 lbs/day
2019	Current expansion completed	1.2 million lbs/day

According to the Texas Department of Agriculture's 2023 Food Processing Report, the Amarillo facility ranks among the top five potato processing operations in the state by production volume. The plant operates year-round with seasonal increases during harvest months when local potatoes are available.

What to Expect: Visitor Information

Many searchers mistakenly believe the "potato factory" offers public tours similar to candy factories or beverage plants. This is not the case. As an industrial food manufacturing facility operating under strict USDA food safety regulations, the Lamb-Weston plant does not offer public access for safety and security reasons.

Important visitor considerations:

• No public tours are available at any time
• The facility is not a tourist attraction or retail location
• Business inquiries should be directed to corporate offices
• No retail sales of products occur at the facility
• Photography is prohibited near facility boundaries

Potato Processing in the Texas Panhandle

The Texas Panhandle region has become increasingly important for potato production due to its unique combination of deep aquifer water sources, fertile soil, and climate conditions. According to data from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Panhandle now accounts for approximately 15% of Texas's total potato production, with most going to processing facilities like the one in Amarillo rather than fresh market sales.

The processing sequence at the facility follows strict food safety protocols:

1. Raw potato delivery and inspection
2. Washing and peeling
3. Cutting into desired shapes
4. Blanching and drying
5. Partial frying (par-frying)
6. Freezing and packaging
7. Quality control testing
8. Distribution to customers

Alternative Potato-Related Experiences in Amarillo

If you're interested in potato-related experiences in the Amarillo area, consider these alternatives:

• Farmers markets: Visit the Amarillo Sunday Market (April-October) where local growers sometimes sell fresh potatoes
• Agricultural education: The Potter County Extension Office offers occasional farm tours during harvest season
• Culinary experiences: Several Amarillo restaurants feature locally-sourced potato dishes, particularly during fall harvest months
• Agricultural museums: The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum occasionally features exhibits on regional farming history

Business and Industry Information

For industry professionals seeking information about the facility:

• Corporate contact: Lamb-Weston corporate office at 1-800-552-9378
• Business inquiries: [e-mail]
• Supplier information: Available through Lamb-Weston's vendor portal
• Employment opportunities: Posted on Lamb-Weston's careers page

The facility operates under USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service regulations and maintains SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification, meeting the highest food safety standards required by major restaurant chains.

Understanding Potato Processing Terminology

When researching potato facilities, you may encounter these industry terms:

Term	Meaning	Relevance to Amarillo Facility
Par-fry	Partial frying before freezing	All french fries produced here undergo par-frying
IQF	Individually Quick Frozen	Method used for some specialty potato products
Water Recovery	Recycling system for processing water	Facility recovers 85% of process water
French Fry Cutters	Machines that cut potatoes into shapes	Multiple cutter types for different fry styles

According to the American Potato Federation, facilities like the one in Amarillo typically process potatoes within 24-48 hours of harvest to maintain optimal quality—highlighting the importance of regional processing capabilities for this perishable crop.

Can I tour the potato factory in Amarillo, TX?

No, the Lamb-Weston potato processing facility in Amarillo does not offer public tours. As an industrial food manufacturing plant operating under strict USDA regulations, it is not open to visitors for safety and security reasons.

Where is the potato processing plant located in Amarillo?

The Lamb-Weston potato processing facility is located at 1800 S. Polk St., Amarillo, TX 79109. This industrial site is in the southeastern part of Amarillo near the intersection of I-40 and Highway 87.

Does the Amarillo potato factory sell products directly to consumers?

No, the facility does not sell products directly to consumers. It is a B2B operation that processes potatoes into frozen french fries and other products distributed to restaurants and foodservice providers, not retail customers.

What types of potatoes does the Amarillo facility process?

The facility primarily processes Russet Burbank potatoes grown in the Texas Panhandle region. These potatoes are ideal for french fries due to their high solids content and low sugar levels.

How can I learn about employment opportunities at the potato facility?

Employment opportunities at the Lamb-Weston Amarillo facility are posted on the company's careers website. The plant typically hires for production, maintenance, quality assurance, and supervisory positions, with seasonal increases during harvest months.