JEROME, IDAHO — Idaho Milk Products is building a $200 million dual ice cream and blending plant in Jerome. The new facility is part of the company’s shift in strategy to enter the ice cream market.

Construction on the 183,000-square-foot plant is scheduled to begin within two months and the company anticipates it will be operating at full commercial production by May 2026.

Idaho Milk Products said its ice cream strategy will focus on the premium indulgent and functional segments of the market and extend into novelty formats. Additionally, the company said its blending capabilities will support its ice cream business “and create capabilities to provide custom formulations to both existing and new customers.”

Daragh Maccabee, chief executive officer, said Idaho Milk Products also remains committed to its core business of producing milk protein concentrates and isolates.

“At the same time, we constantly seek out new ways to add value to our milk, always doing so in a way that is sustainable for the longer term,” Maccabee said. “Our vision for this plant is to build on the strength of our existing business, leverage our Milk Innovation Center, the strength of our R&D team and the unique synergies that this business will create.”

Kevin Quinn, vice president of sales and marketing at Idaho Milk Products, said the commercial strategy involves adding incremental value to the company’s fresh, high-quality cream.