In a significant milestone for both the dairy industry and the local community, Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting of its cheese and whey processing facility in Dodge City, Kansas. This event marks a dynamic step forward as part of the $9 billion projected expansion in U.S. milk processing.
An Industry with a Growth Mindset
Earlier this year, Michael Dykes, CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, shared insights at the Dairy Forum in San Antonio, highlighting the industry’s growth mindset. He emphasized, “Our farmers want to grow and so do our processors. If we aren’t growing, if we aren’t looking toward the future, we’re going to get surpassed by others.” This sentiment resonates strongly as 60% of processing executives have expressed optimism, and 73% plan to amplify their investments over the next three to five years.
Why Dodge City?
Western Kansas has become a hub for large dairies relocating from across states, owing to its abundant land, feed, and labor resources. David Ahlem, President and CEO of Hilmar, expressed the company’s gratitude towards state and local officials who supported their project.
“We chose to build in Dodge City because of the local and skilled labor force, supportive and expanding agricultural region, and excellent transportation network,” Ahlem stated. The community collaboration has reaffirmed that choosing Dodge City was indeed the right decision. “We are grateful to the state and local officials who supported this project and thrilled to celebrate with them today.”
Governor Laura Kelly and U.S. Senator Moran participated in the ceremonies, with Governor Kelly remarking, “This investment in our state is a strong signal to industry leaders around the globe that Kansas has the workforce and infrastructure for companies to be competitive.”
Economic Impacts and Community Involvement
The new facility is already making a significant economic impact, generating new jobs and strengthening Kansas’ presence in the dairy sector. With an investment surpassing $600 million, the site currently employs nearly 250 people.
“I have no doubt they will benefit from their partnerships with Kansas dairies and the local community,” Senator Moran said in a statement.
Prominent for producing American-style cheese in 40-pound blocks, the Dodge City plant is also noted for its wide array of high-quality proteins tailored to meet global market demands.
Commitment to Sustainability
A hallmark of Hilmar’s facility is its emphasis on sustainability and conservation. By incorporating cutting-edge technology, the site effectively minimizes water and energy use. Advanced automation controls help minimize water needs for cleaning, and recycled water serves multiple purposes, including protein processing and heat recovery. The company’s initiatives are aligned with the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment to achieve a carbon-neutral dairy industry by 2050.
Founded by local dairy farm families in California’s Central Valley in 1984, Hilmar has grown to be one of the world’s largest cheese and whey producers. Now serving over 50 countries, it employs over 1,500 people across its facilities, including Dalhart, Texas.
The Dodge City site stands as a testament to Hilmar’s commitment to advancing the dairy industry while maintaining a profound connection with the community and environment. As they continue their journey, their dedication to growth and sustainability paves the way for future successes.
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