Hilmar Cheese opening Kansas production facility
Hilmar Cheese is going all the whey with its new facility in Dodge City, Kan. The Hilmar, Calif.-based company will be opening a cheese and whey processing facility in the city by late 2023, with the expectation that it will create 247 new jobs and represent a $460 million capital investment.
CEO and president David Ahlem said the decision to locate the state-of-the-art facility in Dodge City was influenced by its central location, existing infrastructure, proximity to a growing local dairy industry and a business-friendly climate.
“Our first-class workforce and central location make Kansas one of the best places in the nation to do business,” said Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. “It’s great to see another major food manufacturer like Hilmar choose to put their trust in our state and Dodge City for their newest facility.”
The facility also will showcase sustainable practices. The company has adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment and goal of achieving a net-zero dairy industry by 2050.
“We want our plant to be as good for the environment as it will be for the local economy,” Ahlem said. “We’ll use technologies and sustainable practices to promote carbon neutrality.”
Hilmar Cheese produces a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Monterey jack, pepper jack, Colby, Colby jack and mozzarella. The company’s whey is processed into whey protein products that are used as ingredients in foods that include nutritional beverages and bars. The company’s lactose is marketed internationally as an ingredient in confections and infant formula.
Hilmar expects to break ground on the facility this summer, with plans to be fully operational in 2024.
“We greatly appreciate the warm welcome from the State of Kansas and the City of Dodge City officials whose values of integrity and excellence closely align with ours,” Ahlem said. “Dodge City gives us many opportunities including a local and skilled labor force, a supportive and expanding agricultural region, and an excellent transportation network that allows us to easily reach our expanding markets.”