Chobani’s Twin Falls, Idaho, facility has reached optimal production capability, a significant milestone achieved in less than a year, according to the New York-based yogurt brand.
This will serve to support the continued growth and demand for the company’s Greek yogurt, as its sales have increased 32 percent year-to-date and are projected to grow even higher in 2014.
“Our Twin Falls facility is ready to take on the increased production capacity and innovation it was designed for in order to help us meet the remarkable growth we’re experiencing,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani. “This accomplishment allows us to sustainably and efficiently meet rising national demand and is a testament to the hard work of our new leadership, as well as those who have been with us from the beginning.”
In addition to its original plant in upstate New York, Chobani Greek Yogurt is made in Twin Falls, which opened in late December 2012 and is the largest yogurt facility in the world.
To support the supply and distribution of its products throughout the country, Chobani says it will rebalance and optimize the production of its yogurt between its facilities in upstate New York and Twin Falls, increasing production in Twin Falls given its design, size and innovation capability while Chobani’s New York facility will remain the key manufacturing and distribution hub of Chobani’s important and strategic East Coast region.
Chobani’s Twin Falls plant is a state-of-the-art facility that was built from the ground up through a $450 million investment and 1.7 million work hours. The facility supports nearly 1,200 local jobs and has been a key economic driver for the state.
In its first year of production, Chobani focused on making its Twin Falls plant not just a leader in size, but in cleanliness, safety and innovation. Chobani recently brought in significant resources and continues to work with internal as well as outside experts to assemble one of the most advanced food safety and quality systems in the industry, according to the company.
Chobani also recently hired Sherri Chatham as the Twin Falls facility’s quality assurance manager. Chatham has more than 20 years of experience in dairy quality management. She brings a proven track record of implementing successful quality assurance and sanitation programs, HACCP and food training, Chobani says.
“Our commitment to the craft and quality of our products has never been deeper, our Twin Falls factory has never run better and our confidence in delivering more cups of yogurt to more people has never been stronger,” said Andreas Sokollek, SVP of supply chain and operations.
Since choosing Twin Falls as its second home, Chobani says it has worked closely with the community in support of various local initiatives. Chobani has initiated a job training program in conjunction with the College of Southern Idaho and the Shepherd’s Gift Foundation, Chobani’s charitable arm, has supported the Southern Idaho Children’s Learning Center, given weekly donations to Idaho food banks, sponsored the Twin Falls county fair and Twin Falls Rapids Soccer Club, among others.
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