Agropur Dairy Cooperative, Appleton, Wis., broke ground on a substantial expansion of its cheese manufacturing facility in Lake Norden, S.D. This project should, upon completion, increase the plant’s daily milk processing capacity from 3 million pounds to more than 9 million pounds, equal to the output of an additional 85,000 cows.

The plant will produce cheese and whey products that are marketed globally. The expanded plant is expected to be fully operational by early 2019. Once the project is completed, Agropur plans to add 125 employees to its current workforce. 

“Agropur is committed to continuing its development in the North American market. This announcement is very good news for the growing dairy industry and dairy farmers in the region,” says René Moreau, president.

“The Lake Norden project is an important part of our long-term business strategy, which targets continued expansion through acquisitions as well as organic growth. We are eager to get to work on this new and important project,” adds Robert Coallier, chief executive officer.

“We’re very pleased to be moving forward on the Lake Norden expansion project,” says Doug Simon, president, U.S. operations. “Increasing our milk processing capacity will enable us to take advantage of the growing milk supply in the I-29 corridor and to better serve our customers.”