September 8, 2006

Kraft's investment in New York plant to benefit 200 dairy farms

Kraft Foods Inc has agreed to invest more than US$10 million at its upstate New York facility, helping to support the local cooperative of more than 200 dairy farms, Lt. Gov. Mary Donohue said Thursday (Sep 7).

The facility would be a huge boost to New York's local dairy farmers, who supply the milk used at the Lowville plant, Donohue said.

The plant is Kraft's largest cream cheese manufacturing plant, processing more than 300 million pounds of milk annually.

The company plans to reconfigure a packaging line at the facility, install advanced waste treatment technologies, and upgrade electrical services.

Kraft would also be receiving a state grant of up to US$950,000 to assist in the purchase of machinery, equipment and related facility improvements, Donohue said.

The investment improves Kraft's competitiveness and better positions the Lowville plant for future investments and expansion, said Jim Durkin, manufacturing vice president for Kraft's Cheese and Dairy Sector.