Lactalis Foodservice, Buffalo, N.Y., said it expects by late 2010 to complete an undisclosed expansion at the company's Nampa, Idaho, cheese processing plant. The operation produces mozzarella, provolone and other cheeses for foodservice ingredient use. Upon completion, Lactalis says Nampa will hire as many as 50 more full-time workers.

"This is a very exciting day for this community and our company," said Jean Claude Bruneau, Lactalis vice president of manufacturing.

Lactalis Foodservice is part of Groupe Lactalis' North American food division. Officials noted that the Nampa operation is the largest of Lactalis' 140 plants worldwide.