Chobani celebrated the opening of their yogurt manufacturing facility in Twin Falls, Idaho, on December 18. Hundreds were in attendance to listen to remarks from Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and Chobani’s founder and CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya.
The almost-one-million-square-foot facility was built on a 200-acre site at a cost of $450 million. Phases one and two of the project moved quickly, taking only 326 days to complete.
“Today marks not only the opening of the world’s largest yogurt plant,” Ulukaya said, “but symbolizes the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing.
We believe that no other yogurt facility is comparable to the size, technology and efficiency displayed in our new Twin Falls site.”
Governor Otter added, “We’ve been so impressed by this company and its people and have already seen the positive effect Chobani has had in this great state.
We look forward to a long-lasting partnership and are excited about what the future will bring as Chobani continues to grow its roots here.” Twin Falls, Idaho, is located in what is called the Magic Valley. Bob Naerebout of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association was asked what his thoughts were on the “Chobani effect” going into 2013.
“You hear all sorts of numbers on the future growth of Chobani,” Naerebout said. “It all depends on what those numbers are and how large they get.
Obviously, it’s becoming a tighter milk supply than what we were prior to Chobani. And our growth rate has slowed, which is understandable in the rough economic conditions producers have gone through.
I think it’s like anything else; producers in Idaho and across the nation – when the price of milk allows them to be profitable, we’ll see an increase in production, and I think you’ll see that in Idaho.
But it will be dependent upon the price they’re receiving that provides for profitability.” The new plant has already hired more than 300 people, with additional hires coming in the next few months. PD
PHOTOS
TOP RIGHT: The first cups of yogurt ever produced at Chobani’s new Twin Falls, Idaho manufacturing plant, roll down the line Tuesday, November 20, 2012. Chobani Bite, hits shelves nationwide in January 2013. Photo courtesy of Chobani.
TOP MIDDLE RIGHT: Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter addresses the audience. Chobani’s nearly 1-million-square-foot yogurt plant was built in just 326 days. Photo courtesy of Jack Dempsey/Invision for Chobani.
BOTTOM MIDDLE RIGHT: Hundreds of attendees turned out for the grand event. Photo courtesy of Fredric Ridenour.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and chief executive officer of Chobani, said, “We believe that no other yogurt facility is comparable to the size, technology and efficiency displayed in our new Twin Falls site.” Photo courtesy of Fredric Ridenour.
Fredric Ridenour
Editor
Progressive Dairyman
