HILMAR, CA
Hilmar Cheese Company, which produces approximately 2 million pounds of cheese a day, has been honored for more than cheese.
The company recently received the Outstanding Dairy Processing and Manufacturing Sustainability award during the fourth annual U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards this month.
In an interview with the Turlock Journal, CEO David Ahlem said, “While we never set out to win any awards, it’s a great honor to be recognized in this way. Our employees work hard to be a good steward of our resources and to give back to our communities.”
Ahlem added, “We have water conservation measures and water recycling in place at both sites and this award also reflects community activities in both locations.”
According to the Journal, new technology has helped the company reclaim nearly 100% of the water from incoming milk and treat it at the plant. That water is then used up the three times for different processes, including crop irrigation, facility landscaping and internal reuse.
The company also features the first dairy building throughout the U.S. to receive LEED Platinum certification as well as utilizing solar energy, natural and occupancy lighting and multiple recycling efforts.
All of these factors helped to contribute in this recognition being awarded to Hilmar Cheese.
