Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co. Construction progress of USD 65 Million Plant in Limestone

A transformative new chapter is unfolding in Limestone, where the Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co. is building a USD 65 million, 96,000-square-foot potato chip plant at the former Loring Air Force Base—marking one of the largest commercial developments the region has seen in decades.

Less than a month ago, the site was little more than a fenced-in patch of gravel. Today, steel beams rise from the ground, with roof decking and exterior walls taking shape. Interior plumbing work is set to begin in early July, with the project on track to be handed over for equipment installation this December. The plant is expected to open in April or May of 2026.

The facility will initially feature four kettles, producing approximately 100,000 eight-ounce bags of kettle-cooked potato chips daily, using about 1,500 acres of locally grown round white and russet potatoes. The plant has been designed to accommodate future growth, with capacity for up to eight kettles as demand increases.

Bruce Sargent, Owner of Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co.:

"We’re building the extra space now because it’s cheaper to do it upfront than to add on later. We’ll start with four kettles, but everything is set up to double that. We just need to add the equipment when the time comes."

Brad Sargent (left) and Bruce Sargent (center) look on during a speech at the construction site for the future Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co. plant Wednesday. (Courtesy: The Country)

Sargent’s vision extends beyond launching the Taste of Maine brand. His long-term goal is to co-pack and private label for major retailers, including the potential to supply well-known national brands.

Bruce Sargent, Owner of Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co.:

"We’ll start with our own brand here in Maine, but I want to eventually co-pack for major stores or even companies like Frito-Lay."

The plant will create approximately 40 jobs initially, with expectations to grow to 60–65 positions as operations expand—offering a significant boost to Limestone’s economy and Aroostook County’s farming community.

The project, led by Buck Construction, faced early delays due to wastewater permitting issues that required Taste of Maine to invest in a USD 1.3 million wastewater digester. Additional engineering challenges, including the need for enhanced fire protection systems, were swiftly resolved. Despite the initial setbacks, construction has proceeded smoothly since April. 

Andy Martin, Project Manager at Buck Construction:

"From a construction standpoint, this project is simpler than other food plants we’ve built. Once complete, it will be an efficient, modern facility—push the green button and go."

Local officials and state leaders, including Michael Duguay, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, visited the site recently to view the progress firsthand. The project signals a major milestone for Limestone, which has seen limited development since the closure of Loring Air Force Base in 1994. 

Edward Pocock, Town Manager of Limestone:

"This is the keystone for future developments here. The town stands ready to support it."

Community leaders praised the Sargent family’s investment, highlighting the project’s potential to revitalize the local economy and strengthen ties between agriculture and manufacturing in northern Maine. 

Kiersten Purington, President and CEO of Aroostook Partnership:

"This is a testament to the resilience of The County and the strength of the community. It’s the kind of long-term commitment that will support our economy and our people for generations."

As the plant takes shape, anticipation is growing for the day when Taste of Maine’s first chips roll off the production line—bringing with them new jobs, new opportunities, and new life to the heart of Limestone.

A construction worker stands atop a scissor lift at the Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co. plant construction site. (Courtesy: The Country)