Glanbia Nutritionals, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Select Milk Producers have revealed plans to create a new $470 million cheese and whey production facility in the US.
Located in St. Johns, Michigan, the site will process 8 million pounds of milk per day into a range of cheese and whey products for US and international markets, employing approximately 250 staff when in full production.
The three companies also announced that an agreement has been reached with Proliant Dairy Ingredients to process the whey permeate. Proliant will invest $85 million in an adjoining facility, creating up to 38 jobs.
The partners added that the site in St. Johns meets key selection criteria in terms of strategic location relative to milk supply, strong transport links, a positive business environment and labour availability.
Glanbia, DFA and Select have collaborated with state officials to address issues such as cost, infrastructure and planning in order to finalise the decision.
Glanbia Nutritionals CEO Brian Phelan said: “The finalisation of the preferred location is a critical step on our journey to deliver a new ultra-modern dairy facility in Michigan. We want to thank the state and city authorities for their continued support as we move to commence construction as soon as possible.”
DFA chief financial officer Greg Wickham added: “The construction of this plant in St. Johns will not only address a growing industry need for Michigan plant capacity, but it also adds value and supports our local dairy farm families in this area.”
It is expected the facility will be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Last year DFA opened a new dairy ingredients plant located in Kansas, as it aims to meet a demand for its products in the US and globally.
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