Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Creamery, makers of artisanal cheeses and butter, broke ground today on a facility expansion project to support the company’s long-term growth.
The production facility expansion will take place over three phases, increasing the Creamery’s Websterville, Vermont footprint by 38 percent including the renovation of the existing fresh cheese facility. All three phases have a target completion date of October 1, 2020.
“Today, we start a new chapter in our story that began 35 years ago on a small goat farm in Vermont.” said Adeline Druart, President, Vermont Creamery. “As we scale our business and prepare for the growth ahead, we will not only increase our plant capacity but also leverage our new infrastructure to further our mission, spur innovation and fortify our company culture.”
“As a nearly 100-year-old farmer-owned cooperative, Land O’Lakes has always believed we can achieve more by working together,” said Chris Roberts, executive vice president, Land O'Lakes, Inc. and president, Dairy Foods. “Together, Land O’Lakes and Vermont Creamery share an appreciation for purpose, people and high-quality products, and together, we are learning, growing and advancing the industry. This expansion is an exciting next step in our journey.”
As the facilities expand, so will the Creamery’s workforce. Currently the Creamery is staffed by over 100 full-time employees with plans to add more full-time positions.
The facility expansion will include work from Engelberth Construction of Colchester, Vermont and McMahon Group (architects and engineering) of Neenah, Wisconsin.
Phase one begins May 9 and focuses on new milk receiving and intake processing equipment, and is expected to be completed in December 2019. Phase two supports infrastructure updates, including equipment, refrigeration, heating system, loading docks and warehousing and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2020.
Phase three will include employee enrichment and welfare areas like common break areas, locker rooms and training facilities. Completion of phase 3 is expected in the third quarter of 2020.
In 2017, Minnesota-based Land O’Lakes, a farmer-owned cooperative, purchased Vermont Creamery. Since the acquisition, Land O’Lakes has invested in the Creamery’s infrastructure to facilitate business growth, increase product distribution and grow its workforce in Websterville, Vermont.
Source: Vermont Creamery