NoKota Packers will host a public ribbon cutting and open house celebrating the company’s 45 years of premium potato packing in the Red River Valley.
The event, organized in conjunction with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the Traill County Economic Development Commission, will showcase NoKota’s recent automation upgrades, according to a news release. It will be held at NoKota’s Buxton, N.D., headquarters (16218 13th St. NE) on Thursday, March 27 at 4 p.m.
“We’re excited to commemorate NoKota’s 45 years of history and to celebrate its future opportunities,” said Carissa Olsen, president and CEO for NoKota. “Our company has a storied and solid reputation, and our recent upgrades put NoKota Packers in a stronger position than ever regarding future growth.”
“This project is a fantastic example of the cooperation between the state, county and a longtime mainstay in Traill County’s economic landscape,” said Jim Murphy, executive director for the Traill County Economic Development Commission. “It’s a shining example of how all these programs can work together to help one of the companies that is a jewel in the tiara of Traill County.”
Founded in 1979 by Malcolm Tweten and brother-in-law Maurice Gjelsness, along with their sons Steve Tweten and Ron Gjelsness, NoKota Packers Inc. was incorporated as a potato warehouse/wash plant facility and began shipping in February 1980, the release said. The company remains a family business.
“We remain proud of our company’s decision to promote Red River Valley red potatoes, and we are excited about continuing our involvement in such a dynamic industry,” Olsen said.
Planned events include a ribbon cutting and remarks, as well as tours of the plant, food samples and giveaways.
