Vermont Creamery broke ground on a facility expansion project to support the company’s long-term growth.

The production facility expansion will take place over three phases, increasing the creamery’s Websterville, Vt., headquarters processing footprint by 38%. The project includes renovation of the existing fresh cheese facility. All three phases have a target completion date of Oct. 1, 2020.

“Today, we start a new chapter in our story that began 35 years ago on a small goat farm in Vermont.” says Adeline Druart, president. “As we scale our business and prepare for the growth ahead, we will not only increase our plant capacity, but also leverage our new infrastructure to further our mission, spur innovation and fortify our company culture.”

“As a nearly 100-year-old farmer-owned cooperative, Land O’Lakes has always believed we can achieve more by working together,” says Chris Roberts, executive vice president, Land O'Lakes, Inc., the Arden Hills, Minn., parent company of Vermont Creamery. “Together, Land O’Lakes and Vermont Creamery share an appreciation for purpose, people and high-quality products, and together, we are learning, growing and advancing the industry. This expansion is an exciting next step in our journey.”

The facility expansion will include work from Engelberth Construction, Colchester, Vt., and McMahon Group, Neenah, Wis.

Phase 1 begins May 9, and focuses on new milk receiving and intake processing equipment; it is expected to be completed in December.

Phase 2 supports infrastructure updates, including equipment, refrigeration, heating system, loading docks and warehousing, and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2020.

Phase 3 will include employee enrichment and welfare areas like common break areas, locker rooms and training facilities, and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2020.