From Hilmar’s celebration of a new cheese and whey processing plant in Dodge City, Kan., to Danone’s $65 million investment to ramp up production of its International Delight creamers and STōK Cold Brew Coffee, dairy plants are investing in the future of dairy with an everlasting focus on quality, sustainability and partnership.

Founded in 1984 by 12 local dairy farm families in the Central Valley of California — Hilmar, Calif. — Hilmar Cheese added a production facility in Dalhart, Texas, in 2007, and broke ground on a state-of-the-art cheese and whey protein processing plant in the aforementioned Dodge City on Sept. 30, 2022.

Hilmar Cheese is one of the world’s largest producers of American-style cheese and whey ingredients made using advanced, resource-conscious technology. With customers in more than 50 countries, the privately-owned company currently employs more than 1,500 local residents

The new facility represents a $600 million capital investment along with creating 250 new jobs, the company says.

Attending the groundbreaking ceremony were Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Sen. Jerry Moran, Dodge City Mayor Kent Smoll, Chairman of the Ford County Commissioners Chris Boyd and many other officials and community members. Hilmar’s board of directors, executive team and employees were also on hand to celebrate.

“The Hilmar project is a game-changer for southwest Kansas in terms of job growth, opportunity and lifestyle benefits for those living in Dodge City and surrounding communities,” Kansas Gov. Kelly stated. “My administration is focused on ensuring prosperity reaches all parts of the state, and I couldn’t think of a better company to join us here. Welcome to Kansas.”

Hilmar’s President and CEO David Ahlem said: “We are grateful to the state and local officials who supported this project and are thrilled to celebrate with them today. We chose to build in Dodge City because of the local and skilled labor force, supportive and expanding agricultural region, and excellent transportation network. The superior collaboration with local, regional, and state leaders in Kansas has further confirmed that we made the right choice.”

The Dodge City manufacturing site incorporates the latest technology in sustainability and conservation. The advanced instrumentation and automated control systems minimize the water needed to keep the plant clean and reduces energy use. Recycled water is used further to process protein, clean the facility and equipment, and reclaim heat. Additionally, the plant maintains efficient pumps and equipment.

These features will decrease the plant’s greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity and minimize water use. Hilmar is part of the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment to achieve a carbon neutral dairy industry by 2050. The advancements in Dodge City will help Hilmar meet this goal.

Hilmar calls the new plant “an investment in the future of dairy,” which raises the bar for consistency, functionality and trust in dairy ingredients. The new site reflects the same mindset that drives Hilmar forward: a belief that dairy can be both innovative and responsible.

“We continue to support the communities where we operate, collaborate closely with dairy producers and focus on delivering ingredient solutions that meet real-world needs,” Ahlem remarked.

Danone U.S. completes $65M investment

In mid-June, White Plains, N.Y. and Louisville, Colo.-based Danone U.S. announced the completion of its $65 million investment to modernize its Jacksonville, Fla., plant. The expansion of the 115,025-square-foot facility — a cornerstone of the Jacksonville community since 1948 — supports the continued growth of Danone’s coffee and creamer portfolio, including high-performing brands such as International Delight creamers and STōK Cold Brew Coffee.

The new production line features cutting-edge technology for a new bottle-molding process featuring a 30% reduction in bottle loss; reduced water usage to create new recyclable bottles; and an opportunity to double creamers capacity at the Jacksonville plant.

Dan Magliocco, president of Danone North America, stated: “We are proud to be expanding our operations in Jacksonville and creating new jobs and opportunities in the local community. This is the latest example of our over 80-year commitment to American manufacturing and strengthening our local communities. Our business continues to grow, and we are committed to accelerating our investments behind that growth over the coming years, playing our part in driving economic and industry growth.”

With 90% of Danone products already made domestically, the food and beverage company also unveiled a new, self-reliant regional distribution center in Jacksonville, Florida’s most populous city.

The streamlined, high-capacity network will enhance supply chain efficiency and deliver products at peak freshness across the Southeastern U.S. This will increase product availability on shelves nationwide and significantly shorten the path from production to customer delivery, according to the company.

Between the new manufacturing plant and distribution center, Danone is creating nearly 200 direct and indirect jobs. All told, the Certified B Corp. employs 5,000 American workers across 13 U.S. manufacturing facilities in 10 states.

Chobani builds for the future

New Berlin, N.Y.-based Chobani continues to build for the future — creating jobs, supporting family farms, transforming communities, and delivering better food to more people.

In March 2025, Chobani announced a $500 million expansion in Twin Falls, Idaho, and in April, the cultured dairy company broke ground on a new, $1.2 billion, state-of-the-art plant in Rome, N.Y., that is “about building for the future,” stated Chobani Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya.

"New York is where Chobani's journey began. It was the perfect spot to start Chobani 20 years ago, and it's the perfect place to continue our story,” Ulukaya said. “…We ignited a movement toward better food made with heart, passion, and only the highest-quality ingredients. “With our new plant in Rome and our original home in South Edmeston, we're entering a new dimension, partnering with hard-working people across the heartland of New York to build an ecosystem of natural food production and nourish families throughout the country.

“When you invest in people, in local communities, you're not just building a business — you're building a future,” he added.

Home to the former Griffiss Air Force Base, the 150-acre open stretch of land will transform into a thriving center of food production, enabling Chobani to keep up with soaring product demand and create runway for new innovations.

The 1.4 million square-foot facility is expected to create over 1,000 full-time jobs with competitive wages, an attractive benefits package, and access to a suite of on-site health and wellness amenities.

With capacity to produce more than one billion pounds of high-quality dairy products per year, the new plant will house up to 28 production lines designed to process approximately 12 million pounds of milk per day. When the plant reaches full capacity, Chobani predicts it will purchase an estimated 6 billion pounds of milk per year, creating additional economic opportunity and strengthening the state's dairy industry. DF