Say cheese: Gov. Kelly attends Hilmar grand opening
Gov. Laura Kelly joined federal, state, and local officials March 15 to officially mark the opening of Hilmar Cheese Company’s new production facility in Dodge City, Kansas.
“I am pleased that Hilmar Cheese Company chose to build its new production facility in Dodge City,” Kelly said. “This investment in our state is a strong signal to industry leaders around the globe that Kansas has the workforce and infrastructure for companies to be competitive.”
Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. is one of the world’s largest cheese manufacturers and a global supplier of high-quality whey ingredients. Hilmar’s new Dodge City facility makes American style cheese, which is then sold wholesale to customers and used in a variety of nutritious foods. The site also produces high-quality innovative proteins to meet the needs of customers worldwide.
“We are grateful to the state and local officials who supported this project and are thrilled to celebrate with them today,” Hilmar’s President and CEO David Ahlem said. He is pictured in the above photo with other members of Hilmar’s administrative team and elected officials. “We chose to build in Dodge City because of the local and skilled labor force, supportive and expanding agricultural region, and excellent transportation network. The superior collaboration with local, regional, and state leaders in Kansas has further confirmed that we made the right choice.”
The Dodge City manufacturing site incorporates the latest technology in sustainability and conservation. The advanced instrumentation and automated control systems minimize the water needed to keep the plant clean and reduces energy use. Recycled water is used further to process protein, clean the facility and equipment, and reclaim heat.
The sustainability effort continues throughout the site with efficient pumps and equipment. These features will decrease the plant’s green house gas intensity and minimize water use. Hilmar is part of the U.S. Dairy stewardship commitment to achieve a carbon neutral dairy industry by 2050. The advancements in Dodge City will help Hilmar meet this goal.
Hilmar’s Dodge City site now employs nearly 250 people and represents more than $600 million in capital investment.
