Major news for New York State as Governor Kathy Hochul announces a significant investment in the dairy industry. Lactalis USA is set to pour over $75 million into upgrading two of its manufacturing facilities in Walton and Buffalo. The planned expansion is expected to retain 800 full-time jobs and create over 50 new positions.
According to a release from the Governor's office, the Walton facility will see a $15 million upgrade focused on the production lines for cottage cheese and sour cream. Aiming at a 30% boost in output, the plant will benefit from state-of-the-art lab equipment, new fillers, and improved roofing and boiler systems. While enhancing production efficiency, the facility will expand its capacity to meet the increasing demand for high-protein foods, creating more than 20 new jobs.
The Buffalo plant's makeover is even more significant with a $60 million budget, which forms part of a broader commitment of approximately $123 million from 2020 through 2027. As reported by the Governor's office, this site is gearing up to increase ricotta and mozzarella production by 37 million pounds per year. The improvements include advanced cheese vats, an innovative cheese belt, and a robotic palletizer, which are sure to carve out an efficient and sustainable processing future.
Reporting on the ripple effect in the state's agricultural sector, Lactalis USA CEO Esteve Torrens told the Governor's office, "Our Buffalo plant is home to a significant ricotta and mozzarella production under the Galbani brand. Our Walton plant continues a rich tradition since 1882 of producing Breakstone's Sour Cream and is essential to strengthening our cottage cheese business in a rapidly growing category." Importantly, the plants are essential buyers for local dairy farmers, processing more than 800 million pounds of milk from 236 area farms.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight emphasized that the expansion supports manufacturing jobs and aids local dairy farmers by purchasing over $180 million worth of milk each year. Additionally, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball highlighted the mutually beneficial outcome: "This investment in Lactalis’ existing facilities in Buffalo and Walton is a win-win, retaining hundreds of jobs and adding new jobs, as well as ensuring New York State remains a leader in the dairy industry for years to come." Both expansions signify New York's continued commitment to its dairy industry, famously first in the nation for yogurt and cottage cheese production, in a statement obtained by the Governor's office.
New York’s dairy industry is substantial, with around 3,000 farms producing over 16 billion pounds of milk annually. The Walton and Buffalo plants play a central role in this production, and the recent investment aims to maintain the state’s position as a major force in cheese manufacturing, supporting local jobs and strengthening agricultural ties in the region.
