Hilmar Cheese Co. Inc. was joined by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran and other federal, state and local officials to officially mark the production of Hilmar cheese in Kansas.

“I am pleased that Hilmar Cheese Company chose to build its new production facility in Dodge City,” Gov. Kelly said. “This investment in our state is a strong signal to industry leaders around the globe that Kansas has the workforce and infrastructure for companies to be competitive.”

“Hilmar Cheese’s new processing facility in Dodge City is already creating new jobs and bolstering Kansas’ footprint in the dairy industry,” added Sen. Moran. “I am grateful Hilmar chose to call Kansas home, and I have no doubt they will benefit from their partnerships with Kansas dairies and the local community.”

Hilmar’s Dodge City facility makes American style cheese in commercial 40-pound blocks which are then sold wholesale to customers and used in a variety of nutritious foods. The site also produces a wide range of high-quality innovative proteins to meet the needs of customers worldwide. 

“We are grateful to the state and local officials who supported this project and thrilled to celebrate with them today,” shared David Ahlem, Hilmar’s president and CEO. “We chose to build in Dodge City because of the local and skilled labor force, supportive and expanding agricultural region and excellent transportation network. The superior collaboration with local, regional and state leaders in Kansas has further confirmed that we made the right choice.”

The Dodge City manufacturing site incorporates the latest technology in sustainability and conservation. The advanced instrumentation and automated control systems minimize the water needed to keep the plant clean and reduces energy use. Recycled water is used further to process protein, clean the facility and equipment and reclaim heat. Upgraded spray nozzles were installed for more efficient cleaning. The cleaning process also reuses rinse water. 

 The sustainability effort continues throughout the site with efficient pumps and equipment. These features will decrease the plant’s Green House Gas (GHG) intensity and minimize water use. Hilmar is part of the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment to achieve a carbon neutral dairy industry by 2050. The advancements in Dodge City will help Hilmar meet this goal.  

 Hilmar’s Dodge City site now employs nearly 250 people and represents more than $600 million in capital investment.