By Blake Jackson
Governor Kathy Hochul, The Coca-Cola Company, and fairlife recently celebrated the startup of production at fairlife’s new $650 million dairy processing facility in Webster, New York.
The 745,000-square-foot plant is one of the largest dairy processing facilities in the Northeast and will serve as fairlife’s flagship regional operation.
The facility is expected to process 5 to 6 million pounds of milk daily sourced from New York dairy farms and has already created approximately 380 full-time jobs.
The project supports New York’s position as one of the nation’s leading dairy-producing states while creating new market opportunities for local dairy farmers.
“We're proud to be partnering with The Coca-Cola Company and fairlife to make this game-changing production facility a reality. This $650 million investment in Monroe County will strengthen New York’s dairy industry by creating good-paying jobs, expanding opportunity for local families and providing a dependable market for the hardworking dairy farmers who help power our state’s economy," Governor Hochul said.
"By supporting the producers, workers, and communities behind this facility, we are building a stronger, more resilient agricultural economy and ensuring New York remains a national leader in dairy production.”
“Today we're celebrating the continued scaling of production at our fairlife Webster facility. This facility reflects fairlife's continued investment in delivering nutritious, great-tasting products to consumers while creating meaningful opportunities for the communities we call home. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and our state, local and community partners for their support," fairlife CEO Becca Kerr said.
"During this early phase of production, this facility is helping meet growing consumer demand, supporting New York dairy farmers, creating approximately 380 full-time jobs and driving long-term economic growth across the region.”
The project received support from several state and local agencies, including Empire State Development, which provided up to $21 million through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program.
New York also invested $20 million to help upgrade Webster’s wastewater treatment infrastructure, supporting the facility’s long-term operations and future growth.
The investment strengthens New York’s dairy sector, which includes approximately 2,700 dairy farms producing more than 16.6 billion pounds of milk annually.
State officials said the new facility, combined with ongoing dairy modernization programs and other agricultural investments, will help expand processing capacity, support dairy farmers, create jobs, and reinforce New York’s leadership in the dairy industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jesp62
Categories: New York, Government & Policy, Livestock, Dairy Cattle