Norwich, N.Y.-based Chobani opened what is said to be the world’s largest yogurt manufacturing plant in Twin Falls, Idaho.

The Greek yogurt pioneer broke ground on the 200-acre site in December 2011 and began construction earlier this year. Phases one and two of the project were completed in an unprecedented 326 days, thanks to the hard work and dedication of more than 2,000 men and women who put in more than 1.7 million man hours to build the state-of-the-art, 1 million-square-foot facility from the ground up.

"At Chobani, we're makers. Our business has been built one cup at a time by the hands of our people," says Hamdi Ulukaya, founder, president and CEO. "Today marks not only the opening of the world's largest yogurt plant, but symbolizes the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing. We believe that no other yogurt facility is comparable to the size, technology and efficiency displayed in our new Twin Falls site."

"Twin Falls is our second home, but will not replace our Central New York plant, which will continue to operate at full capacity,” he adds. “In fact, we will continue to grow and invest in our New York operations."

Chobani invested $450 million to build this plant, which adds more than 300 jobs, as production and distribution have already begun on new product innovations set to launch nationally in 2013. Additional hires are expected to come on board over the next several months.