Cbs News Sunday Morning Cheese Maker in Wisconsin

$4.5M announced to support expansion in Wisconsin's dairy industry

Posted: Oct 4, 2021 11:20 AM CST

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) --- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced the state will be supporting the expansion of Agropur Dairy Cooperative in Little Chute with up to $4.5 million in business tax credits from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) on Monday, Oct. 4.

Officials say Agropur, one the world's largest dairy suppliers, will be building a new $168 million cheese factory in Little Chute that will set the company up for future success in the state by investing in the latest cheesemaking technology and making room for growth. According to a news release, Agropur will be eligible for up to $4.5 million in business tax credits over the next four years based on meeting hiring and capital expenditure goals.

"From our farmers and cheesemakers and the folks in the dairy supply chain to the workers who will help build this expansion, to the Wisconsin cheese consumers and enthusiasts everywhere, thisinvestment will be felt far beyond the farm," said Gov. Evers."This project is great news for our economy and for Wisconsin, and on behalf of our great state, we are thrilled to support Agropur's investment in America's Dairyland and in the future of the dairy industry."

Agropur, the largest dairy cooperative in North America and one of the top 20 dairy producers in the world, operates facilities in La Crosse, Appleton, Little Chute, Weyauwega, and Luxemburg in Wisconsin. They employ about 850 employees, officials say. The cooperative anticipates spending nearly $60 million more a year on milk from Wisconsin farms and creating at least 54 new full-time jobs with this project.

Gov. Evers was joined for the announcement by WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes andDepartment of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski while visiting a family dairy farm in Seymour.The farm is run by Lorraine Steffens and her sons, Steve and Dan. The family, which has owned the farm since 1971, milks 130 cows on about 300 acres.

"Wisconsin is uniquely positioned to help Agropur develop new products and succeed in the dairy industry," Secretary and CEO Hughes said. "In turn, Agropur invests in our dairy farms, pays family-sustaining wages and through the company's charity work helps ensure access to healthy food for our communities."

The new Agropur cheesemaking facility is under construction on 24.5 acres in Little Chute. The 210,000 square-foot facility will allow Agropur to increase its production and make future expansions in Little Chute possible.

"This expansion is a promise to farmers that we're going to be here, and you'll have a place for your milk to go," said Lorraine Steffens.

Officials say the facility's milk processing would more than double from 300 million pounds a year to 750 million pounds with about 85% of that milk coming from within 40 miles of the plant.

"Having a new state-of-the-art facility will help us to solidify our leadership position in the dairy industry," said Doug Simon, Agropur's president of U.S. operations. "Beyond speed and efficiency, the process and equipment will provide greater flexibility and will allow Agropur to offer a broader line of products to meet our customers' needs."

Cbs News Sunday Morning Cheese Maker in Wisconsin

Source: https://www.cbs58.com/news/45m-announced-to-support-expansion-in-wisconsins-dairy-industry

Share this post