Chobani begins construction of US$1.2B dairy plant

USA – Chobani, a leading Greek yogurt manufacturer, has broken ground on a US$1.2 billion dairy processing facility in Rome, New York, marking the largest investment in a natural food manufacturing plant in U.S. history. 

The 1.4 million-square-foot facility, located at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park, is expected to significantly boost the region’s economy and support New York’s dairy industry.

The new plant, Chobani’s third in the U.S., will process approximately 12 million pounds of milk daily and produce over one billion pounds of dairy products annually once fully operational. 

This capacity will allow Chobani, already the state’s largest milk purchaser, to increase its annual milk purchases by an estimated six billion pounds, providing a vital lifeline for New York’s dairy farmers. 

The state, home to over 3,000 dairy farms producing more than 16 billion pounds of milk yearly, has faced challenges due to volatile prices and industry consolidation, as reported by Forbes.

“This is tremendous news for our state and our dairy farmers, who will be supplying milk to this state-of-the-art processing facility,” said New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. 

The facility is also expected to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs, offering a significant economic boost to the Mohawk Valley region.

Chobani has committed to partnering with local organizations and Empire State Development to provide workforce training, particularly for underserved communities, ensuring broad access to these opportunities.

Chobani’s founder and CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya, emphasized the company’s deep ties to New York, where it began operations in 2005. 

“New York is where Chobani’s journey began. It was the perfect spot to start 20 years ago, and it’s the perfect place to continue our story,” Ulukaya stated. 

The company’s investment follows a US$500 million expansion of its Twin Falls, Idaho, facility announced last month, highlighting its commitment to scaling production to meet growing demand for yogurt and other dairy products.

The Rome facility, built on 150 acres of former Griffiss Air Force Base land, will feature 28 production lines and incorporate sustainable design elements, aligning with Chobani’s mission to promote wellness and community impact.

Meanwhile, the plant will foster collaboration with local farmers, businesses, and educational institutions to drive innovation and economic growth. 

As demand for nutrient-dense foods rises, partly fueled by health trends, Chobani’s investment positions New York as a hub for natural food production.

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