HILMAR, Calif. – Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. broke ground on the site of its future state-of-the-art cheese and whey protein processing plant in Dodge City, Kansas.
The new facility is expected to create 250 new jobs and represents more than $600 million in capital investment.
Hilmar Cheese Company is one of the world’s largest producers of high quality American-style cheese and nutritious whey products with customers in more than 50 countries. Founded in 1984 by 12 local dairy farm families in the Central Valley of California, Hilmar added a production facility in Dalhart, Texas in 2007. The privately owned company currently employs more than 1,500 local residents of those two locations.
Attending the groundbreaking ceremony were Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Senator Jerry Moran, Dodge City Mayor Kent Smoll, Chairman of the Ford County Commissioners Chris Boyd and many other officials and community members. Hilmar’s board of directors, executive team and employees were also on hand to celebrate.
“The Hilmar project is a game-changer for southwest Kansas in terms of job growth, opportunity and lifestyle benefits for those living in Dodge City and surrounding communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration is focused on ensuring prosperity reaches all parts of the state, and I couldn’t think of a better company to join us here. Welcome to Kansas!”
“We are excited about this partnership with Dodge City,” stated David Ahlem, President & CEO of Hilmar Cheese Company. “This community has a local and skilled labor force, a supportive and expanding agricultural region, and an excellent transportation network. It is a great location to invest in the future.”
“Kansas is a growing dairy state and a prime location for Hilmar Cheese Company’s new processing plant,” said Senator Moran. “Hilmar Cheese recently participated in my Conservation Tour in western Kansas, and they will be a great partner in creating new jobs and bolstering Kansas’ dairy generational dairy farms while remaining committed to sustainability.”
Hilmar Cheese Company has adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment and goal to achieve a Net Zero dairy industry by 2050. The Dodge City facility will incorporate the latest technology and advancements in conservation and sustainability. A state-of-the-art instrumentation and control systems will minimize the water needed to keep the plant clean and minimize energy usage. Recycled water will be used further in processing protein, to clean the facility and equipment, and to reclaim waste heat. The equipment will utilize the latest technology, such as upgraded spray nozzles for more efficient cleaning. The process will reuse rinse water. The latest equipment, instrumentation and automated controls technology will reduce overall energy use.
The sustainability effort continues throughout the site with native and drought tolerant landscaping. These features will decrease Green House Gas (GHG) footprint and minimize water use.
Speaking at the groundbreaking, Hilmar Cheese Company Chairman of the Board, Jim Ahlem praised the local support for the project, citing Kansas Department of Commerce, Department of Ag and Department of Transportation; the City of Dodge City, Ford County, Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, Black Hills Energy, Victory Electric, United Tel•Com, Dodge City Public Schools USD 443, Dodge City Community College and area agricultural producers.
“The effort to locate in Dodge City has been a collaborative effort of many organizations,” he said. “We are grateful to all who have helped bring us to this wonderful community.”
Chairman of the Ford County Commissioners, Chris Boys shared, “The impact to our region has started with construction and will compound significantly with dairies, transportation and services that will be required to support the processing facility.”
“Hilmar Cheese is a great addition to our community. The company has strong cultural values and a focus on stewardship. Working together, Dodge City will be able to grow our wastewater use for crop irrigation and renewable biogas production,” added Major Kent Small.
Local leaders cited Hilmar Cheese Company as a valued partner and welcomed the company to the Dodge City community. The Company offers competitive wages, great benefits, and training along with long-term career growth opportunities. The company supports local events, education and health care. Hilmar Cheese Company’s annual scholarship program awards students of its employees, milk producers, and community scholarships to support continuing education. The company’s California Visitor Center and its exhibits at the Texas XIT Museum are visited by thousands of students on field trips each year. This focus helps to improve local lives.
During the ceremony more than ten pieces of site preparation equipment were moving dirt in the background. Hilmar Cheese Company is working with contractor Ryan and Co., design consultants Bennets & Pless, Randal Paulson and Olsson and process design consultant IGRL.
“We are excited to ‘get the heck into Dodge’ and be part of the Sunflower State,” concluded Ahlem.”
