The dairy industry in the state of New York expands further with BelGioioso Cheese planning to invest more than $23 million into its operations in the Empire State across two locations.
“This decision by BelGioioso to further expand its operations upstate marks yet another chapter in New York’s agricultural success story,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “New York’s dairy industry serves as a crucial economic engine for our state, and we are grateful to this successful company for its continued commitment to these communities, and to area dairy farmers, who always work hard to help position our state as one of the nation’s top dairy producers.”
Founded in Wisconsin in 1979, BelGioioso Cheese completed construction on a $25 million, 96,000-square-foot cheese plant in the Glenville Business and Technology Park in New York’s Capital Region. The Glenville campus includes a manufacturing plant, and a distribution center built in 2022.
In 2021, the company purchased the Polly-O brand and its plant in Campbell in the Southern Tier in New York. The Campbell facility was constructed in 1938 and as part of this project is undergoing upgrades to its existing infrastructure, continuing modernization efforts, including the addition of product lines to allow continued growth. The Steuben County Industrial Development Agency will also be providing assistance. Upgrades at both facilities are expected to be completed in late 2027.
Polly-O General Manager Timothy Cronin said, “New York State plays a vital role in our success, and this investment reflects our commitment to the local communities, dairy farmers, and team members who help us craft our specialty cheeses every day. The Polly-O brand has a long and meaningful history in New York, and the Auricchio family has been dedicated to traditional cheesemaking for generations. The quality of milk produced in New York and the strong support from State and local partners make it possible for us to continue growing our operations here. We look forward to expanding our facilities, adding jobs, and strengthening our long-standing relationships with New York dairy farmers so we can honor both the BelGioioso and Polly-O cheesemaking traditions for generations to come.”
Empire State Development will support the project with up to $1.5 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits. The Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority has agreed to provide a $150,000 capital grant to support this project, and a sales tax exemption for construction materials and supplies.
Lifeway Foods Opens Waukesha, WI Expansion
In early November, Lifeway Foods, Inc., a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and cultured probiotic dairy products, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at its facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This marked the launch of Phase Two of the company’s four-phase, $45 million expansion project. Phase Two focuses on installing a state-of-the-art cooling system to support Lifeway’s expanded fermentation and bottling operations.
Lifeway’s Waukesha facility transforms millions of gallons of Wisconsin-sourced milk each month into the company’s signature kefir, a tart and tangy cultured dairy beverage containing protein, calcium, and live probiotics.
“Lifeway’s expansion here in Waukesha is a celebration of growth, innovation, and community,” said Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods. “As we continue our four-phase project, we’re investing not just in infrastructure, but in the people and partnerships that have fueled our success. This new cooling system will help us operate more efficiently and sustainably, ensuring Lifeway remains the nation’s leader in kefir production.”
“We’re excited to congratulate Lifeway Foods on beginning phase two of its Waukesha facility expansion, a significant milestone in a multi-million-dollar project to double production capacity at the Waukesha facility,” said Amanda Payne, President and CEO of the Waukesha County Business Alliance. “The Alliance is proud to support Lifeway’s investment in Waukesha County, a testament to the strength of our local business community and the incredible talent in our region.”