Chobani Expands Giant Idaho Unit to Increase Yogurt Production
18 Mar 2016 --- Chobani is expanding its giant manufacturing site in the US, as it looks to expand its production of its yogurts. The manufacturing facility in Twin Falls, Idaho, is the largest yogurt making unit in the world.
Chobani said it was expanding the unit to meet increased demand.
Key facts of the expansion:
1) Purchase and conversion of three production lines for Chobani "Flip" products.
2) Purchase of a new production line and a new bulk production line for foodservice opportunities to drive further growth in schools, hotels, airlines and restaurants
3) Purchase of new equipment for new adjacent categories like Chobani Meze Dips and yogurt drinks.
4) Launch of products to new international markets, including Mexico and Puerto Rico in Q2 2016, furthering its mission to make better food for more people.
Hamdi Ulukaya, chief executive of Chobani, said: "Building the largest yogurt manufacturing plant in the world and expanding it three years later is a really proud moment for us and an example of how right it was to pick Idaho as our second home.”
"Our success in Idaho and New York is an example of the power and strength of U.S. manufacturing. To food companies like ours, it's a signal of the momentum of the food movement that we started: better food for more people."
The initial construction was completed in 326 days, with more than 2,000 men and women who put in more than 1.7 million man hours to build the state-of-the-art facility from the ground up.
"The kind of success that Chobani is experiencing in the Magic Valley is setting a great example of regional collaboration between employers and community leaders throughout Idaho," said Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter.
"And it has economic development leaders all over America standing up and taking notice of what Idaho has to offer. That's all above and beyond the on-the-ground benefits that Chobani's growth and proactive corporate citizenship are providing for our citizens and Idaho's economy.”
“I’m proud that Chobani chose Idaho and is helping us set a golden example of what it means to accelerate Idaho by moving at the speed of business."
In addition to expansion plans in Twin Falls, the company is also exploring plans to expand its original plant in Central New York.
Chobani works closely with its communities in Twin Falls and Central New York to support local initiatives.
In its three years in Idaho, Chobani has initiated a job training program in conjunction with the College of Southern Idaho and The Chobani Foundation, Chobani's charitable arm, has supported several projects, including the Twin Falls Downtown Renaissance Project, Special Olympics Idaho, the Canyon Rim Classic Soccer Tournament, numerous hunger relief agencies and Veterans service organizations.
