PDFDairiConcepts’ Expansion Creates Local Jobs

Springfield, MO. – An $18 million expansion at the DairiConcepts plant in Allerton, Iowa, is approaching completion. The project, which will enable the plant to accommodate growing customer demand, also will create 18 new jobs for area residents.

Known locally as “The Milk Plant”, the DairiConcepts plant was initially established as a creamery in 1897. Today, the plant manufactures specialty milk protein ingredients and sophisticated nutraceutical products.

“The DairiConcepts expansion is a win for us, and a win for the larger community,” said John van der Hulle, plant manager. “We have a long and proud history in Allerton, and it is gratifying to see our business opportunities create quality jobs for local residents during a time of significant economic need.”

The expansion includes equipment improvements, as well as construction and building upgrades. To support the project, the city’s waste water treatment system also will be upgraded – an effort that is being funded in part through the formation of an urban renewal district, which the Wayne County Board of Supervisors recently approved.

The primary focus of the nine-month expansion project is the integration of liquid receiving capabilities. The plant has added a new tanker receiving bay, water treatment facility, ingredients handling and preparation equipment, and upgraded liquid processing, drying and packaging systems.

The majority of construction on the project is scheduled for completion in August, with experimental trials for the new equipment and operations starting in September. Project managers anticipate the newly expanded plant will be fully operational before the end of the year.

General contractor and engineer for the expansion is Shambaugh & Sons of Fort Wayne, Ind., and the building contractor is LTI Contracting of Phoenix. Subcontractors include the following Iowa companies: Allen Blasting & Coating of New London, C & E Trucking of Allerton, Bailey Roofing of Des Moines, Chambers Inc. of Corydon, Ideal Concrete of Chariton, Jones Construction of Allerton, Metal Fabrication of Indianola, Seedorff Masonry of Des Moines, Story Construction of Ames and Taylor Fencing of Clio. Southwest, Stainless Inc. of Springfield, MO., and Morris Sheet Metal of Fort Wayne, Ind., also contributed to the project.

About DairiConcepts

DairiConcepts develops and manufactures application-specific ingredients for global food brands, serving the industry with innovative, cost-effective solutions, as well as toll or turnkey contract manufacturing services. Its classic and on-trend product lines include cheese and dairy powders, dairy concentrates, seasonings, award-winning hard Italian cheeses, flavor enhancers and functional dairy replacers.

Founded in 2000, DairiConcepts is a strategic partnership of national and world-leading dairy cooperatives, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. and Fonterra Co-operative Group, Ltd. DairiConcepts’ ingredients are marketed internationally to icon-brand food companies, foodservice providers, restaurant chains, culinary chefs, and industrial ingredient and private label food manufacturers.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Delia Croessmann dcroessmann@dairiconcepts.com
Phone: 417.829.1708