Feta cheese is having a moment, and Lactalis USA is seizing the opportunity. The dairy giant announced a $55 million expansion project at its Tulare, California, facility, significantly boosting its Président Feta cheese production capacity to meet the growing demand among American consumers.
"We are expanding to increase our cheese production capacity at our facility. This investment into new jobs and expanding operations supports our local communities and demonstrates Lactalis’ long-term view for business success in the United States. This expansion helps us meet the growing demand for Président Feta cheese in the United States, which is good news for our retail customers and consumers who continue to choose Président Feta for cooking at home and creating new occasions to enjoy feta," stated Esteve Torrens, Chief Executive Officer.
The expansion includes a new 38,000-square-foot manufacturing line, making it Lactalis' largest feta production line in the United States, according to the press release. This addition will complement the company's existing feta production facilities in Tulare and Belmont, Wisconsin.
The project is set to create 20 full-time positions in Tulare, along with 100 temporary or contract positions during construction. The timeline spans to 2027, with the line becoming partially operational in May of 2025.
Lactalis USA's Tulare facility is one of the company's most advanced manufacturing sites, incorporating the latest technologies from Lactalis Group. The new production line will feature a complete 3D ergonomic analysis to support worker well-being and safety, as well as automated airflow control and in-line production.
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