Kroger Announces Dairy Expansion

Not only is Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. expanding its fulfillment network, it's also embarking on a 35,000-square-foot expansion of its Tamarack Farms Dairy in Ohio to support the implementation of an aseptic milk line to produce products such as half and half, heavy whipping cream, coffee creamers and Carbmaster milk, the grocer announced June 24. 

The production line at Tamarack Farms Dairy, which will be the grocer's first in the Midwest, will support over 150 jobs at the facility, Kroger said. The grocer, which owns and operates dairy-producing facilities across the U.S., said this facility serves approximately 160 stores in Ohio and West Virginia and provides products for the grocer's e-commerce channel.

"We are so pleased to see this continued investment in Newark," said Doug Blacksten, senior director of supply chain and manufacturing for Kroger, in a statement. "Kroger is Fresh for Everyone, and that means we are committed to sourcing and manufacturing only the best and freshest products.

Kroger said the aseptic milk line is part of the grocer’s large-scale efforts to deliver longer shelf-life high-protein drinks, non-dairy and dairy products through modern technology. 

Tim Derickson, JobsOhio senior managing director of Food and Agribusiness, said that Kroger's investment creates “a new market for Ohio's dairy industry. The extended shelf-life dairy product that will come from the cutting-edge operations in the Licking County facility will meet growing demand for Kroger's customers nationwide and boost demand for dairy farmers throughout Central Ohio."

Commissioners Rick Black, Tim Bubb and Duane Flowers said in a statement that the “$70 million investment strengthens and adds to the stability of the economic development and job market in Newark and Licking County.”