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Cayuga Milk Ingredients (CMI), in partnership with food packaging company Tetra Pak, has opened a new consumer goods plant in Auburn, Cayuga County, as part of a $270 million expansion of its New York state operations.

The new 235,000-square-foot facility is the first phase of a two-part project that expands CMI’s Eagle Drive site. Phase one includes the installation of UHT/aseptic low-acid packaging systems and new processing equipment. Phase two will add more machinery and expand the facility’s wastewater treatment plant.

CMI is owned by 22 farm families across 32 farms in New York’s Finger Lakes region and processes 1.5 billion pounds of milk each year. Its dairy ingredients include milk powders, protein powders and fluid milk products. With this new plant, the company adds consumer-packaged goods to its portfolio, aiming to become a vertically integrated contract manufacturer for shelf-stable, value-added dairy products.

Brian Linney, CEO at CMI, said: “The opening of our new consumer products facility marks a new chapter of possibilities, one where innovation, sustainability and responsible farming come together to shape the future of food."

"As one of the key players in New York’s significant dairy industry, we are excited to continually invest back in our county with a vertically integrated expansion that is sure to not only create meaningful opportunities for our local community but also drive economic benefits back to our state.”

Tetra Pak is supplying the shelf-stable packaging for the new plant. Mat Rutz, VP of contract manufacturing for Tetra Pak US and Canada, added: “Shelf-stable innovation continues to redefine what's possible in food and beverage. Working with companies like CMI to expand their portfolio by providing innovative processing and packaging solutions for their products is energizing. We’re proud to continue driving this bold new chapter for our industry with sustainable growth in mind.”

Both companies emphasised a shared commitment to reducing the environmental impact of food production. The packaging solution is expected to lower food waste and emissions tied to transportation and storage, while offering cost and production benefits.

CMI has already supported over 350 construction jobs during development and expects to create 150 new jobs when the facility becomes fully operational in fall 2025.