News Summary
Chobani, the renowned Greek yogurt producer, has unveiled plans to open a new yogurt production facility in Rome, New York, with a monumental investment of $1.2 billion. This expansion, set to take place at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park, is expected to create over 1,000 jobs, marking the largest investment in natural food production in the U.S. The facility will cover 1.4 million square feet, featuring 28 production lines, and aims to enhance support for local dairy farmers, significantly impacting the state’s economy.
Exciting News for Rome, New York!
The picturesque city of Rome, New York, is about to get a major boost as Chobani, the famous Greek yogurt maker, has announced a phenomenal plan to build a new yogurt production facility with a whopping investment of $1.2 billion. This ambitious project is set to take shape at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park and promises to create more than 1,000 jobs for the area!
Big News Unfolds
This big announcement came straight from the heart of Chobani’s founder, Hamdi Ulukaya, in a news conference held on April 22, 2025. As he detailed the plans for the brand new manufacturing facility, excitement crackled in the air at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park.
Largest Investment in Natural Food Production
New York Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted that Chobani’s investment is the largest of its kind ever made for a natural food production facility in the United States! Can you believe that? This is not just a win for Chobani but also a huge boost for the local economy and community.
Major Job Creation Ahead
Here’s the scoop: Chobani currently employs 1,100 people in South Edmeston and Norwich, which are both in Chenango County. This new facility is going to nearly double that workforce! With the new site only a stone’s throw away, locals can expect a flurry of new job opportunities, and this is great news for anyone looking to work in the area.
Massive Facility with Huge Production Capacity
The upcoming plant will cover a jaw-dropping 1.4 million square feet and will feature up to 28 production lines. It’s planned to have the capability to process over 12 million pounds of milk daily, which translates to more than 1 billion pounds of yogurt and other dairy products each year. That’s a lot of yogurt!
Supporting Local Dairy Farmers
Speaking of milk, did you know that Chobani is already one of the largest buyers of milk from New York dairy farmers? Currently, they purchase over 1 billion pounds per year, and the new facility is projected to buy about 6 billion pounds once it reaches full capacity! That’s incredible and represents about one-third of New York’s total milk production. Local dairy farmers are in for a treat!
Investing in the Community
The company plans to locate the facility on the Triangle parcel at the business park, which has seen investment in infrastructure improvements amounting to over $23 million from New York’s FAST NY program. To sweeten the deal, New York State is also extending up to $73 million in tax credits through the Excelsior Jobs Program to enhance job creation.
Focused on Job Training and Inclusivity
As part of their commitment to the community, Chobani is set to work with New York’s Empire State Development to ensure job training and opportunities are available, particularly to underserved populations. They’re making sure everyone has a chance to join this exciting growth!
A Search for the Perfect Location
So why Rome? After a nationwide search for the perfect spot, Chobani found that Rome had a skilled workforce and was quite affordable. What a win-win situation for both the company and the community!
Looking Back at Chobani’s Roots
Chobani has come a long way since its beginnings in a former Kraft Foods facility in South Edmeston, where it started producing Greek yogurt in 2005. Fast forward to 2025, and the brand is now thriving with additional expansions, including a recent $500 million expansion at its Twin Falls, Idaho plant.
New Product Lines and Competitive Wages
Chobani isn’t just about yogurt anymore! They’ve branched out into creamers, oat milk, and coffee beverages after acquiring La Colombe. The company is also fighting to support its workers by raising the minimum starting wage for full-time employees and corporate hourly workers to $20 an hour in 2023. That’s what we love to see – companies investing in their people!
What This Means for New York’s Economy
This new facility isn’t just a win for Chobani, but a substantial contribution to New York’s economy. It’ll bolster the market for local dairy farmers while contributing to the overall economic vitality of the state. So let’s toast with a cup of yogurt and celebrate this fantastic news for Rome and beyond!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times: Chobani’s New Dairy Factory in NY
- Google Search: Chobani yogurt factory New York
- Syracuse.com: Chobani to Build New Yogurt Plant
- Wikipedia: Chobani
- LocalSYR: Chobani Picks Rome for New Factory
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Yogurt
- WKTV: Chobani Investing $1 Billion in Oneida County
- Google News: Chobani yogurt plant news
