DeLaval will strengthen its presence and service in New York and Vermont through the acquisition of Premier Dairy Service LLC. Premier Dairy Service LLC is headquartered in Argyle, New York, with other locations in Middlebury and St. Albans, Vermont. The business was originally established in 1969. Currently, 18 employees at three locations provide service for approximately 1,500 licensed dairies. DeLaval believes the acquisition strengthens its commitment to maintaining and expanding its customer base. By acquiring Premier Dairy Service LLC, DeLaval will meet the needs of more than 150,000 cows in a most important dairy area.

"We are very pleased with the acquisition of Premier Dairy Service LLC. This valuable addition to DeLaval operations in the key dairy states of New York and Vermont keeps with the strategy to provide even more customers in the U.S. with our high quality equipment and service," said Christian Poggensee, president of the DeLaval Local Sales Organization in the U.S. "We are committed to drive progress in milk production and further develop our market in the U.S.," he added.

According to the acquisition agreement, Premier Dairy Service LLC will be part of the DeLaval Direct organization. This means that customers will continue to enjoy the services they were already receiving, with further added expertise from DeLaval.

DeLaval Inc. established DeLaval Direct (DD) 12 years ago. DD is as a DeLaval-owned distributor of its DeLaval, West Agro, DeLaval Germania, and Universal brands (dairy products and services). DD currently operates in seven states with 14 business locations.

"We know DeLaval will continue to satisfy our customersí needs for quality dairy equipment, hygiene products and technical service," Rick McClenning said. Rick McClenning will continue as the general manager of the new DeLaval Direct business in eastern New York and Vermont. PD

—From DeLaval news release