Simplot facts for kids
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| Private | |
| Founded | 1929 in Declo, Idaho |
| Founder | J. R. Simplot |
| Headquarters | Boise, Idaho |
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Key people
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| Revenue |  US$6.0 billion (2020) |
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Number of employees
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11,000 |
The J. R. Simplot Company, often called Simplot, is a big agribusiness company. Its main office is in Boise, Idaho, United States. Simplot works with many parts of farming, from growing crops to making food.
Contents
History of Simplot
Simplot was started in 1929 by a 20-year-old named John Richard Simplot. He began his business near Declo, a farming town in southern Idaho. In the early 1940s, the company grew a lot. It helped the military during World War II by providing dried onions and potatoes. The company officially became the J. R. Simplot Company in 1955.
Simplot became very successful because of frozen French fries. One of its scientists, Ray L. Dunlap, helped make them popular. By the early 1970s, Simplot was the main supplier of French fries to McDonald's. By 2005, it provided more than half of all French fries for the fast food chain. Simplot also makes fertilizers for farms.
Today, Simplot is one of the largest privately owned companies in the world. In 2020, Forbes magazine ranked it 54th among private companies. It has branches in Australia, Canada, Mexico, China, and other places. A big plant is located in Caldwell, Idaho.
J. R. Simplot stopped being president of his company in 1973. However, he stayed involved for many years. He stepped down as chairman of the board in 1994. He was called Chairman Emeritus until he passed away in 2008.
Helping the Community
Since it started, the J. R. Simplot Company has helped many local groups. They support causes like Ronald McDonald House and Boys and Girls Clubs. They also help Future Farmers of America and the Special Olympics. Many employees volunteer their time to help direct these efforts.
The company has given thousands of pounds of potatoes to food banks. They also support arts groups in Idaho, like Ballet Idaho. In 2009, Simplot received an award from the United Way. This award was for their strong community spirit.
Caring for the Environment
Simplot works to protect the environment. In 2002, the company agreed to buy new equipment. This was to help prevent pollution from one of its facilities. In 2004, Simplot agreed to pay money and install new equipment. This was to improve air quality at a mining facility in Overton, Nevada.
In 2012, Simplot joined the Obama Administration in a big effort. The goal was to greatly reduce energy use over ten years. The company has also received awards for its environmental work. For example, they got an Earth Day award in Utah.
In June 2012, Simplot teamed up with conservation groups. They worked with other mining companies to improve water quality. This project focused on the Blackfoot River in Eastern Idaho. This shows how companies can work together for a healthier planet.
More recently, Simplot has worked with government agencies. They have made agreements to improve pollution controls at their plants. This helps reduce emissions and protect the air. They also worked to ensure proper handling of materials at their facilities. Simplot has paid penalties for past issues. This shows their commitment to following environmental rules.
Special Potatoes
Simplot created a special kind of potato called the Innate potato. The USDA approved it in 2014. The FDA also approved it in 2015. These potatoes are designed to resist blackspot bruising. They also do not brown as easily.
These potatoes also have less of a substance called asparagine. When potatoes are fried, asparagine can turn into something called acrylamide. Scientists believe acrylamide might be harmful. So, having less of it in potatoes is a good thing.
The name "Innate" means that these potatoes only use genes from other potatoes. They do not have genes from different types of plants or animals. This is done using a method called RNA interference. This method "switches off" certain genes. Simplot hopes this will make people feel more comfortable about these special potatoes.
The "Innate" potato is not just one type of potato. It is a group of potato varieties that have been changed in the same way. Five different potato types have been made into "Innate" versions. They keep their original traits but gain the new engineered ones. These include Ranger Russet, Russet Burbank, and Atlantic potatoes.
Brands You Might Know
- Edgell (frozen vegetables)
- Leggo's (Italian dishes)
- Ally (salmon)
- Seakist (tuna)
- John West - Australia (tuna and salmon)
- Harvest (heat and eat meals)
- Chiko Rolls
- I&J (frozen meats)
- Best Products (fertilizer)
- Apex Products (fertilizer)
- GAL-XeONE (special fertilizer)
- Jacklin Seed (grass seed)
- Bird's Eye - Australia and New Zealand (frozen fish, vegetables, potatoes, and meals)
- Innate (potatoes)
- Chicken Tonight (Australia and New Zealand)
- Raguletto (Australia and New Zealand)
See also
- List of companies based in Idaho
Images for kids
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A view of the Simplot plant in Caldwell, Idaho, around 1930–1945. The image says "World's Largest Dehydrating Plant."
