Ohio’s largest fluid milk plant, Tamarack Farms Dairy, will undergo a major expansion in the coming months thanks to a $70 million investment provided by the Kroger Co., America’s largest grocer. The 35,000-square-foot expansion at the Newark facility will allow the company to add a state-of-the-art aseptic milk line capable of manufacturing various sizes of half-and-half, heavy whipping cream, coffee creamers and Kroger’s Carbmaster milk beverage. The aseptic milk line will be the grocer’s first in the Midwest, according to the Newark Advocate.
“Kroger’s significant investment transforms the Tamarack Farms Dairy into an aseptic processing facility, creating a new market for Ohio’s dairy industry,” said Tim Derickson, senior managing director of food and agribusiness at JobsOhio. “The extended shelf-life dairy product that will come from the cutting-edge operations in the Licking County facility will meet growing demand for Kroger’s customers nationwide and boost demand for dairy farmers throughout central Ohio.”
The aseptic milk line, which utilizes ultra-high temperature pasteurization, is a component of Kroger’s large-scale plan to deliver long-shelf-life, high-protein drinks, non-dairy and dairy products through modern technology, Kroger said in press release.
“We are so pleased to see this continued investment in Newark,” said Doug Blacksten, senior director of supply chain and manufacturing for Kroger. “Kroger is Fresh for Everyone, and that means we are committed to sourcing and manufacturing only the best and freshest products. This cutting-edge innovation at Tamarack Farms Dairy underscores that commitment, improving our ability to offer high-quality dairy products to Kroger customers.”
Tamarack Farms Dairy is the largest fluid dairy product producer in the state. The facility serves 160 stores in Ohio and West Virginia and provides products for Kroger’s e-commerce channel. The expansion will begin by Sept. 30 and finish by June 30, 2023.
