Brown's Dairy to Close its New Orleans Milk-processing Plant

Brown's Dairy is phasing out production at its milk-processing plant in New Orleans and moving operations to Hammond, La., the company said Tuesday.

Dean Foods, which owns Brown's Dairy, said in a statement that 185 jobs will be cut when the processing plant relocates.

"Production will be phased out over the next several months," company spokesman Reace Smith said. "We will certainly make everyone aware of open positions throughout Dean Foods and encourage them to consider applying."

The move is necessary to "enhance manufacturing capabilities in the area," the statement said.

"This decision was made after a careful review of the facility and how we can best support our customers in the region," Smith said. "We regret the impact that this result will have on our employees and our community. The decision to eliminate jobs in any part of our business is never an easy one. This move does not reflect the quality of work performed by our Brown's Dairy employees, but the need to enhance our capabilities."

Brown's Dairy was founded in New Orleans in 1904 and was originally known as Brown's Velvet. Milk processed in New Orleans is distributed throughout Louisiana and in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. In addition to milk and chocolate milk, Brown's Dairy also produces eggnog, whipping cream, fruit drinks and tea.

A significant portion of the production will remain in the state at the Hammond facility, officials said. Brown's products will continue to be available in New Orleans and existing markets, which include southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi and parts of southern Alabama.