Chobani's $1.2 billion production facility promises to significantly boost local economy and job creation.
Chobani has announced a groundbreaking $1.2 billion yogurt production facility in Rome, New York, marking the largest investment in natural food production in U.S. history. This facility will create over 1,000 jobs and require 6 billion pounds of milk annually from local dairy farms, further supporting the region’s economy. With state support and a commitment to community welfare, this investment is set to transform the local landscape and bolster Upstate New York’s manufacturing sector.
In an exciting turn of events for the city of Rome, New York, Chobani has just announced plans for a monumental $1.2 billion yogurt production facility in the bustling Griffiss Business and Technology Park. This is big news not just for Rome but also for the entire state, marking the largest investment ever in natural food production facilities in the history of the United States!
The impressive new facility is set to create over 1,000 jobs, nearly doubling Chobani’s workforce in New York, which currently stands at around 1,100 employees in South Edmeston and Norwich. The addition of this facility will also contribute to Chobani’s existing workforce of another 1,100 in Twin Falls, Idaho, making it an essential step in the company’s growth journey as it celebrates two decades since its founding by Turkish immigrant Hamdi Ulukaya.
Chobani’s new plant will soar across 1.4 million square feet and will feature up to 28 production lines. Can you imagine the scale of operations? This exciting addition will process a whopping over 12 million pounds of milk per day, resulting in more than 1 billion pounds of yogurt and other dairy delights annually!
To meet the demands of this ambitious operation, Chobani will require around 6 billion pounds of milk annually from New York’s dairy farms, accounting for about a third of the state’s overall milk production. This is a significant commitment that promises to bolster New York’s dairy industry, which proudly hosts nearly 3,000 dairy farms and stands as the largest dairy producer in the country.
The New York State government is enthusiastically on board, having allocated $23 million for essential infrastructure improvements to prepare the Griffiss Triangle site for development. Furthermore, Chobani could receive up to $73 million in performance-based tax credits through the Excelsior Jobs Program, making this investment even sweeter.
As part of its commitment to improving the local community, Chobani plans to collaborate with Empire State Development to create training and job opportunities, focusing especially on underserved communities. This human aspect of the project is just as important as the economic boost it promises to deliver.
Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the project as a critical step in revitalizing the manufacturing sector in Upstate New York. Alongside her, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente expressed optimism that this investment will not only increase economic activity but will also confirm the area as a hub of opportunity. The local mayor, Jeff Lanigan, believes this investment could be a transformative moment for both Rome and the greater Mohawk Valley area.
Chobani is not just about production; it is also focused on the welfare of its employees. Recently, the company raised the minimum starting wage for full-time manufacturing workers to $20 an hour, reflecting its commitment to providing fair compensation in a fast-paced industry.
As if that weren’t enough, Chobani also made headlines in December 2023 when it completed a $900 million acquisition of La Colombe, a well-known ready-to-drink coffee brand. This move further cements Chobani’s position as a key player not only in the yogurt world but also in the broader food and beverage sector.
All in all, this massive investment in Rome not only guarantees job creation and local economic growth but also emphasizes the importance of supporting local farmers, workers, and communities. With Chobani leading the charge, the future looks positively promising for New York!
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