DAIRY PLANT NEWS

TheModesto (Calif.) Bee reported that Modesto-basedFoster Farmsagreed to buy two ice cream plants in Sacramento, Calif.; and Salem, Ore., fromMatterhorn Group Inc. Matterhorn, Boise, Idaho, had filed for bankruptcy protection. No purchase price was disclosed. Foster Farms President & CEO Jeff Foster said the deal adds about 130 year-round employees and another 40 seasonal workers. Matterhorn produces ice cream sandwiches, drumsticks and other products for private label retail customers.


WHIO TV, Dayton, reported thatThe Dannon Company, White Plains, N.Y., is considering a $110 million expansion at its Minster, Ohio, refrigerated retail yogurt plant.


Japanese pastries and desserts specialistMikawaya USA, said it opened a new 103,000-square-foot plant near downtown Los Angeles. Officials say the operation will produce Mikawaya ice cream, gelato and novelties.

"The plant was designed with the integrity of Mikawaya products in mind," said Frances Hashimoto, Mikawaya president. "It is an all-in-one facility with state-of-the-art equipment installed to guarantee the consistent production of delicious Mikawaya products and to ensure the safety of all Mikawaya workers."