Gold Dust – The Beginning

For over 30 years, Gold Dust Potato Processors, Inc. (also known as Gold Dust Potatoes) has been processing potatoes in the Klamath Basin. This business has grown to include other crops as well a reputation for building long-term relationships with our customers.

Today, Gold Dust is known for not only processing chipping potatoes, but also for exceptional customer service for getting our products to our customers. Over the years we’ve expanded into other crops, but our focus on building long-term, trusting relationships with out customers hasn’t. As we’ve grown, we’ve added a Junior Partners team to help lead Gold Dust into the future and to maintain those relationships.

Gold Dust started in 1984, when brothers William (Bill) and John Walker decided to incorporate their businesses, Gold Dust Potato Processors, Inc. and J&W Walker Farms were created.  Operating out of offices in Merrill, Oregon, and potato sheds located on the home place just outside of Merrill, the family-owned operation stored, processed and sold potatoes to a variety of domestic customers.

Thanks to foresight and good planning, Gold Dust continued to grow.  In 2002, John and Bill decided to take over the old Shasta View potato processing plant in Malin, Oregon.  The move proved to be good for business; the larger processing plant allowed them to continue growing their domestic chipping potato sales as well as look overseas for new opportunities.  Though the processing plant was well-designed when they purchased it, over time the Walkers added various systems to increase efficiency in the packing shed while minimizing damage to chipping potatoes.

Not only did Gold Dust change its facilities, the business itself continued to grow and change.  As time went on, Bill’s son, Weston, and oldest daughter, Tricia, joined the management team of the family businesses.  With their help, Gold Dust has been able to increase the number of domestic and Pacific Rim customers.  Some of the more recognizable names on their customer roster include Frito Lay, In-N-Out Burgers, Kettle Brand and Pik Nik.  Internationally, our chipping potatoes can be found in snacks produced by companies such as Calbee. Gold Dust and the Walker family have been able to maintain these relationships through competitive pricing, excellent customer service, quality chipping potatoes and building trust with our customers.

With roots firmly planted in the Klamath Basin, the Walker family is devoted to growing Gold Dust.  If you’re looking to work with a family-owned and operated business to provide your company with chipping potatoes, then Gold Dust Potato Processors is the partner you’re looking for.