As part of the company’s continued strategic growth initiative, Chobani plans to open a second domestic manufacturing plant that will sit on 200 acres of agricultural and industrial land.

“We visited numerous possible sites over the past several months, and met a lot of great people along the way,” says Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, which is owned by Agro Farma Inc., Norwich, N.Y. “It was a hard decision to make, but in the end, we chose Twin Falls due to its abundant milk supply, skilled labor force and tight-knit local community. We’re looking forward to starting the next chapter of the Chobani story here in Idaho’s Magic Valley.”

Chobani’s “Nothing but Good” philosophy, which includes supporting local farmers, job creation and community outreach, will be instrumental at their new site as the company begins to form roots in the Twin Falls community. Expected to be operational in 2012, the new plant is expected to create around 400 new jobs.

“We anticipate Chobani’s planned investment to result in an additional $200 million in regional sales. Between construction activities, employment at the plant and the sourcing of local supplies like milk, there’s no question that the economic effect of Chobani’s new site will run deep throughout Southern Idaho, benefiting family farms as well as our dairy and construction industries,” says Idaho governor C.L. “Butch” Otter. “We’re thrilled Chobani chose Twin Falls as their second home.”

Chobani’s new Twin Falls site will not impact plans to move forward with their announced expansion for the company’s landmark South Edmeston, N.Y., manufacturing plant.