Chobani opens new yoghurt manufacturing facility in US

Chobani, a producer of Greek-style yoghurt in the US, has opened a $450m manufacturing facility in Twin Falls, Idaho, US.

The 1,000,000ft² facility, which has been built on a 200-acre site, will enable the company to boost production of Chobani branded yoghurt and enhance its ability to bring product innovations to the market.

The plant has a capacity to process about 5 million lbs of milk every day and produce 2.4 million cases of Greek yoghurt a week.

This is the company’s second yoghurt manufacturing plant; its other facility is located in New York.

Chobani founder, president and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya said that the Twin Falls plant is the world’s largest yoghurt facility, and its opening represents the revitalisation of manufacturing in the US.

"Twin Falls is our second home but will not replace our Central New York plant, which will continue to operate at full capacity," Ulukaya added.

The new facility has created 300 new jobs, with additional staff expected to be hired over the next several months.

The products manufactured at the facility are expected to hit the shelves nationwide in January 2013.

Idaho expects the facility to contribute $1.3bn to the economy.

Chobani is eligible for a range of state tax incentives, including property tax exemption and credit off tax liabilities.

The company broke ground on the site in December 2011 and initiated construction earlier this year.

At that time, it noted that the Twin Falls location was chosen due to its abundant milk supply, skilled labour force and tight-knit local community.

Chobani, based in Norwich, New York, produces Greek-style yoghurt products that are kosher-certified, gluten free, low in lactose, and free of preservatives or artificial flavours.

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Image: The new facility will enable the company to boost production of Chobani branded yoghurt and enhance its ability to bring product innovations to the market. Photo courtesy of Chobani.