How do we determine what a great plant is? Is it an exciting design? New technologies or automation? Sustainability efforts? Perhaps, it is a processor that continues to process, as well as protect a decades-long family recipe.

There are a lot of things HP Hood LLC’s Batavia, N.Y., plant could be honored for this year, including the many bells and whistles featured at the 458,000-square-foot plant.

Cincinnati-based Graeter’s Ice Cream has served the Midwest since 1870. Dairy Foods visited the plant in April to check out its 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, opened in 2010. 

Dairy Foods announced the return of its Plant of the Year award. Dairy Foods will be judging this year’s program based on specific outstanding achievements outlined in the entries.

Moments after Dairy Foods arrived at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Mich., in July, the rental car clerk asked what the car was needed for.

Any North American processing facility producing dairy-based foods and/or beverages is eligible to enter as Dairy Foods' Plant of the Year. The deadline is June 16.