Chobani® to Invest Over $100 Million to Open New Facility in Idaho

NORWICH, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Chobani, America's #1 selling yogurt brand, announced their plans to open a second domestic manufacturing plant as part of the company's continued strategic growth initiative. Chobani plans to invest over $100 million to build a state-of-the-art, high capacity production facility housed on 200 acres of agricultural and industrial land in Twin Falls, Idaho.

The new facility will enable consumers' to more easily find their favorite Chobani products in stores as well as enhance Chobani's ability to bring exciting product innovations to market.

"We visited numerous possible sites over the past several months and met a lot of great people along the way." said Hamdi Ulukaya , CEO and Founder of Chobani. "It was a hard decision to make, but in the end, we chose Twin Falls due to its abundant milk supply, skilled labor force and tight knit local community. We're looking forward to starting the next chapter of the Chobani story here in Idaho's Magic Valley."

Chobani's "Nothing but Good" philosophy, which includes supporting local farmers, job creation, and community outreach, will be instrumental at their new site as the company begins to form roots in the Twin Falls community. Expected to be operational in 2012, the opening of the new plant is expected to create around 400 new jobs.

"We anticipate Chobani's planned investment to result in an additional $200 million in regional sales. Between construction activities, employment at the plant and the sourcing of local supplies like milk, there's no question that the economic effect of Chobani's new site will run deep throughout Southern Idaho, benefiting family farms as well as our dairy and construction industries." said Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter. "We're thrilled Chobani chose Twin Falls as their second home."

Chobani's new Twin Falls site will not impact plans to move forward with their announced expansion for the company's landmark South Edmeston, N.Y. manufacturing plant.

About Chobani

As America's #1 selling yogurt brand, Chobani was founded on the belief that people have great taste; they just need great options. That is why Chobani produces only the highest quality, best tasting products made with only natural ingredients out of their South Edmeston, N.Y. production facility. As part of Chobani's Nothing But Good philosophy, they are committed to supporting local farmers and strengthening their surrounding area economies. They use milk from New York-area farms and give a portion of their annual profits to charities worldwide through their Shepherd's Gift Foundation, the company's charitable arm. All Chobani products are gluten free, Kosher certified, made with milk free of rBST and provide two times more protein than regular yogurt, five live and active cultures, and three strains of probiotics. Chobani retails for MSRP $1.29/6oz, $3.29/16oz, $5.99/32oz, and $3.99/Champions 4-pack. Chobani products are available nationwide. For more information, visit chobani.com.

SOURCE Chobani

RELATED LINKS
http://www.chobani.com