Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. broke ground today on the site of its future state-of-the-art cheese and whey protein processing plant in Dodge City, Kansas.
The new facility is expected to create 250 new jobs and represents more than $600 million in capital investment.
Hilmar Cheese Company is one of the world’s largest producers of high quality American-style cheese and nutritious whey products with customers in more than 50 countries. Founded in 1984 by 12 local dairy farm families in the Central Valley of California, Hilmar added a production facility in Dalhart, Texas in 2007. The privately owned company currently employs more than 1,500 local residents of those two locations.
Attending the groundbreaking ceremony were Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Senator Jerry Moran, Dodge City Mayor Kent Smoll, Chairman of the Ford County Commissioners Chris Boyd and many other officials and community members. Hilmar’s board of directors, executive team and employees were also on hand to celebrate.
“The Hilmar project is a game-changer for southwest Kansas in terms of job growth, opportunity and lifestyle benefits for those living in Dodge City and surrounding communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration is focused on ensuring prosperity reaches all parts of the state, and I couldn’t think of a better company to join us here. Welcome to Kansas!”
“We are excited about this partnership with Dodge City,” stated David Ahlem, President & CEO of Hilmar Cheese Company. “This community has a local and skilled labor force, a supportive and expanding agricultural region, and an excellent transportation network. It is a great location to invest in the future.”
