USA – Prairie Farms Dairy has announced its acquisition of the SmithFoods manufacturing facilities in Orrville, Ohio.
The Illinois-based dairy cooperative, founded in 1938, now integrates with SmithFoods, a family-owned Ohio company established in 1909.
Both organizations share a rich history of producing high-quality dairy products, and this collaboration enhances the farm-to-table values central to both companies.
“Like Prairie Farms, SmithFoods prides itself on providing high-quality dairy products to its community and being a good neighbor,” Matt McClelland, CEO and EVP of Prairie Farms Dairy said.
“We are excited to welcome their employees to the Prairie Farms Family of Companies and look forward to serving SmithFoods’ loyal customers with the same exceptional local dairy products and community support they have come to expect.”
He highlighted that the acquisition aligns with the cooperative’s goal of creating value for its dairy farmers and enhances Prairie Farms’ network of dairy plants while expanding its footprint in Ohio.
“We are thrilled and grateful to join the Prairie Farms Family of Companies. This represents a significant step in preserving and enhancing the legacies built by our customers, associates, producers, and their families over four generations,” Nate Schmid, President and CEO of SmithFoods added.
He emphasized confidence that Prairie Farms’ commitment to shared values and community will ensure continued success for the business.
Effective immediately, both companies are dedicated to a seamless integration, ensuring there are no disruptions in manufacturing, delivery services, or day-to-day operations.
In 2022, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) announced the acquisition of two extended shelf-life (ESL) processing facilities from SmithFoods.
Located in Richmond, Indiana, and Pacific, Missouri, these plants produce a variety of extended shelf-life dairy and non-dairy beverages, ice cream, and shake mixes for both retail and foodservice customers.
The facilities will operate under the DFA Dairy Brands division as Richmond Beverage Solutions and Pacific Dairy Solutions.
Pat Panko, Executive Vice President of DFA and President of DFA Dairy Brands North, stated, “There is increasing consumer interest in extended shelf-life dairy products, and this acquisition aligns with our strategy to increase commercial investments and expand our ownership in this space.”
He added that the addition of these plants presents opportunities to grow the customer base and create synergies between other extended shelf-life and aseptic facilities.
Prairie Farms Dairy is among the largest dairy cooperatives operating in the Midwest and South, representing over 600 farm families and employing 7,000 associates.
With 47 manufacturing plants and more than 100 distribution facilities, the cooperative generates annual sales exceeding US$4.69 billion.
Known for its innovations in milk flavor and award-winning dairy products, Prairie Farms operates from its headquarters in Edwardsville, Illinois, with a distribution footprint covering over 30% of the United States.
Its products are available in a wide array of retail environments, including grocery chains, convenience stores, and foodservice outlets.
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