USA – HP Hood, a US-based dairy processing plant headquartered in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, is set to embark on an expansion project in Batavia, New York, with an investment totalling US$120 million.
According to a recent company statement, HP Hood will break ground on a 32,500-square-foot expansion at its existing facility located in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.
This expansion will increase the plant’s capacity by 10%, resulting in an additional 20 million gallons of dairy products annually, bringing the total output to nearly 150 million gallons per year.
Steve Hyde, President, and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, expressed optimism about the expansion, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the local workforce, farming families, and strategic location near major consumer markets.
He emphasized that the region’s economic infrastructure, including shovel-ready sites and workforce development programs, has positioned HP Hood and the broader food and beverage industry for sustained success.
“The dairy hub of the northeast at the Genesee Valley Agribusiness Park has built itself upon the qualities of our workforce, our dedicated farming families, and our strategic location close to major consumers,” he said.
“The economic infrastructure generated by shovel-ready sites and workforce development programs has set up HP Hood and our robust food and beverage industry for sustained success.”
The expansion project includes the installation of an automatic storage and retrieval system (ASRS) refrigerated warehouse, along with new batching and processing systems, facilitating increased capacity and the introduction of a new production line.
These enhancements are expected to further strengthen the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park’s role as a key player in the dairy sector.
Furthermore, HP Hood’s expansion initiative is projected to generate 48 new job opportunities while retaining 455 full-time positions at the Batavia facility, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Founded in 1846 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, HP Hood has evolved into a leading dairy processor with a nationwide presence, boasting 13 manufacturing plants across the United States.
The company’s diverse portfolio includes renowned brands such as Hood, Heluva Good hummus, Lactaid dairy products, and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, among others.
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