Massive Chobani Investment Set to Transform New York Dairy Landscape

Chobani is making American manufacturing history with a $1.2 billion yogurt processing plant in Rome, New York that will create over 1,000 jobs and transform the regional economy while processing 12 million pounds of milk daily.

Key Insights

The $1.2 billion investment represents the largest natural food manufacturing investment in American history, bolstering New York’s position as the nation’s top yogurt producer
The facility will create over 1,000 jobs and process 12 million pounds of milk daily, producing one billion pounds of dairy annually
New York’s skilled workforce and strong dairy industry were key factors in Chobani’s decision to expand in the state
The project received over $23 million in infrastructure and transportation improvements to support the development
The investment directly supports New York’s dairy farmers and the state’s $8 billion agricultural industry

Historic Investment Boosts American Manufacturing

Chobani’s decision to invest $1.2 billion in a new yogurt processing facility in Rome, New York marks a significant commitment to American manufacturing and the dairy industry. The facility, to be built at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park, represents the largest investment in natural food manufacturing in American history. The plant will create more than 1,000 jobs and process approximately 12 million pounds of milk daily, producing one billion pounds of dairy products annually. This massive expansion reinforces New York’s position as the leading producer of yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese, and cottage cheese in the United States.

The decision to locate the facility in Rome came after careful consideration of several factors, including the region’s skilled workforce. The Mohawk Valley offers access to military veterans from the former Griffiss Air Force Base and graduates from nearby colleges, providing Chobani with the talent needed to operate a state-of-the-art processing facility. The company’s expansion builds on its successful history in New York, where Chobani opened its first plant in 2005, and complements its existing manufacturing facilities in Idaho, Michigan, and Australia.

Economic Impact and Political Support

The new Chobani facility is expected to have a transformative impact on the economy of upstate New York and the Mohawk Valley region. The project has received strong bipartisan support from state and federal officials who recognize its potential to strengthen the regional economy. The state has committed over $23 million for infrastructure and transportation improvements to support the development, demonstrating New York’s commitment to securing this investment against competition from other states.

“This is the rebirth of our state, a rebirth of Upstate New York, a rebirth of business, a rebirth in the belief of greater days that lie ahead. Are you with me in this belief? We can get it done here, right here, in upstate New York, in Rome, in Oneida County.” – Gov. Kathy Hochul

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, who has supported Chobani’s growth since its early days, emphasized the significance of the investment for New York’s dairy farmers and the overall economy. By helping Chobani expand its reach, including inclusion in the national school lunch program, Senator Schumer has played a role in creating conditions for this historic investment. The project represents a continuation of efforts to revitalize manufacturing in Upstate New York, a region that has experienced economic challenges in recent decades.

Supporting New York’s Dairy Industry

The new facility will directly benefit New York’s dairy farmers, who form the backbone of the state’s $8 billion agricultural industry. By processing 12 million pounds of milk daily, Chobani will provide a stable market for dairy producers throughout the region. This comes at a critical time for many family farms facing economic pressures and uncertainty. The plant’s massive production capacity will allow farmers to expand their operations and ensure the sustainability of family farms that have been central to upstate New York’s economy and cultural identity for generations.

“This facility will process a remarkable 12 million pounds of milk per day, producing one billion pounds of dairy annually. What does this mean? It means an even stronger dairy industry, and more opportunities for Upstate and North Country farmers to sell their milk, expand their operations, and sustain family farms that have been so essential to our way of life for generations.” – Rep. Elise Stefanik

Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan described the investment as “transformative” for the community, highlighting the opportunities it will bring in terms of jobs, innovation, and growth. The project represents a vote of confidence in the region’s future and demonstrates how strategic investments in food production can strengthen local economies while supporting American agriculture. As construction begins and the facility moves toward operation, the partnership between Chobani, local communities, and New York’s dairy farmers will serve as a model for agricultural and manufacturing cooperation.