Pine Bluffs chip plant targets 2027 launch

Timothy Michaud plans to purchase 3 million pounds of potatoes for Rocky Mountain Snacks in its first year of operation. The Pine Bluffs-based company intends to begin manufacturing chips in March 2027. Bags of the product could reach store shelves in April or May 2027.

Michaud is the president of Rocky Mountain Snacks and a member of the team behind JD Manufacturing in Pine Bluffs. He and his wife, Alisha Michaud, recently traveled to Norway and Sweden to study the industry. Alisha Michaud serves as the CEO of the chip company. She carried a stuffed potato head mascot named Rocky in her luggage during the trip. The mascot wears a blue cowboy hat.

The couple visited chip factories in Scandinavia to observe operational procedures. They studied how these companies select seasonings and structure their businesses. Michaud noted that the team gained access to learn from businesses that buy equipment from JD Manufacturing. The trip also allowed the team to sample various chip flavors to identify potential future products.

Rocky Mountain Snacks will launch with three initial flavors. The lineup includes strictly salted chips, barbecue, and tangy dill. Michaud cited U.S. sales data showing that half of potato chip sales are for salted varieties. Nearly a third of sales are for barbecue flavor. He stated that the company must fill staple categories before expanding into unique options like truffle or ketchup flavors.

The original Rocky Mountain Snacks was run by Timothy Michaud's father, Dennis, and uncle, Jerry. The family business transitioned into manufacturing equipment for the snack food industry. JD Manufacturing now services 16 countries and has installed over 100 fryers globally. The company re-founded Rocky Mountain Snacks in January 2026. The new chip plant is part of a 40,000-square-foot campus that also houses an expanded JD Manufacturing facility and an aircraft-parts business.

Rocky Mountain Snacks expects to start with three to five employees. The team aims to grow to about 20 workers within five years. Dennis Michaud estimated that JD Manufacturing could add 10 workers to its current staff of 24. The aircraft-parts business is projected to add another dozen employees. JD Manufacturing is providing the financial backing to build the chip plant. In exchange, Rocky Mountain Snacks will provide a working production line for testing machinery.

Cole Lambert, the vice president of Rocky Mountain Snacks, said the company will source as many potatoes as possible from Wyoming. The team estimates that the state could supply roughly half of the initial 3 million pounds. Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota are other regions where the company plans to buy potatoes. Lambert stated that the goal is to stay as regional as possible. Some local growers have already expressed interest in supplying the factory.

The initial sales push will focus on Wyoming and the Colorado Front Range. Lambert said the team wants to place chips in grocery stores and gas stations. The company has also discussed producing chips for export to Canada. A firmer production schedule is expected in January or February 2027.

The new factory will include a retail area and a windowed viewing corridor. Visitors will be able to watch potatoes being processed into chips. Alisha Michaud said the team plans to invite school field trips and allow public viewing during business hours. The facility is located in the same park as a local distillery. The team is working on discounts with local restaurants to encourage tourists to visit multiple businesses in Pine Bluffs.