Building for the Future: Chobani Invests $1.2 Billion in Upstate New York to Build Third U.S. Dairy Processing Plant

New facility is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs and make nutritious, natural food more accessible

NEW BERLIN, N.Y., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the heart of New York's Mohawk Valley, where history and industry meet, a new chapter is unfolding. After announcing a $500 million expansion in Twin Falls, Idaho last month, Chobani broke ground today on a new, $1.2 billion, state-of-the-art plant in Rome, New York. This new facility is about building for the future—creating jobs, supporting family farms, transforming communities, and delivering better food to more people.

"New York is where Chobani's journey began. It was the perfect spot to start Chobani 20 years ago, and it's the perfect place to continue our story. Working with dedicated dairy farmers and the resilient community, we built something truly special—something bigger than the food we make. We ignited a movement toward better food made with heart, passion, and only the highest-quality ingredients," said Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani. "With our new plant in Rome and our original home in South Edmeston, we're entering a new dimension, partnering with hard working people across the heartland of New York to build an ecosystem of natural food production and nourish families throughout the country. When you invest in people, in local communities, you're not just building a business—you're building a future."

A Thriving Ecosystem
Once home to the former Griffiss Air Force Base, the 150-acre open stretch of land will transform into a thriving center of food production, enabling Chobani to keep up with soaring product demand and create runway for new innovations. The 1.4 million square-foot facility is expected to create over 1,000 full-time jobs with competitive wages, an attractive benefits package, and access to a suite of on-site health and wellness amenities.

"Through this partnership with Chobani, we're revitalizing Upstate New York's manufacturing sector one spoonful at a time," Governor Hochul said. "Chobani has been a major employer in the Mohawk Valley for decades, and this massive new $1.2 billion investment will bring more than 1,000 good-paying jobs to Oneida County — the largest natural food manufacturing investment in American history. When I took office I pledged to make New York the most worker-friendly and business-friendly state in the nation, and projects like this one show our strategy is working."

Rooted in the belief that business can be a force for good, the Rome plant is not a standalone operation—it's designed to be a catalyst for an entire ecosystem of food innovation across the Mohawk Valley and beyond. Chobani will partner with local farmers, businesses, colleges, universities, government leaders, entrepreneurs, and community organizations to drive new thinking, train the next generation of high-skilled labor, and fuel economic opportunity far beyond the walls of the new plant, helping to transform the region.

A Growing Industry

With capacity to produce over one billion pounds of high-quality dairy products per year, the new plant will house up to 28 production lines designed to process approximately 12 million pounds of milk per day. One of the largest buyers of raw milk in the state, Chobani purchases over a billion pounds of raw milk from New York State dairy farms each year. Once the new plant reaches full capacity, Chobani will purchase an estimated 6 billion pounds per year, creating additional economic opportunity and strengthening the state's dairy industry.

About Chobani

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafés nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail.

Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.

For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.lacolombe.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Chobani, LLC