Muller Quaker Dairy, a joint venture between PepsiCo, Inc. and Theo Muller Group, has opened a new state-of-the-art yogurt manufacturing facility in Batavia, New York.
The facility, which will employ around 180, will serve as a national production and distribution center for Muller yogurt, which launched in select regional markets in 2012.The plant's opening was celebrated by U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi, Theo Muller Group owner Theo Muller, and various New York state and local officials.
"Expanding our brand from Europe to the U.S. has been a long-time goal," Muller said. "We are proud to partner with PepsiCo on this important business venture and we look forward to years of success in this country."
As the fastest-growing dairy category in the U.S., yogurt is a $6.2 billion industry that continues to climb, according to PepsiCo.
The 350,000-plus-square-foot facility initially will have three production lines that can produce more than 120,000 cups of yogurt per hour.It also can accommodate up to eight production lines with room for future expansion.
The company is targeting LEED certification for the facility, which sits on 82 acres, and would make it the largest LEED-certified dairy manufacturing plant in the world.
Products manufactured at the plant will include Muller Corner, Muller Greek Corner and Muller FrutU varieties. PD
—From PepsiCo news release
