ARDEN HILLS, MINN. – Land O’Lakes, Inc. has announced plans to close a cheese plant in Denmark, Wis., and increase capacity at its Kiel, Wis., cheese plant.
The company said the provolone and mozzarella semi-soft Italian cheese products produced at the Denmark plant had not been profitable in recent years. Land O’Lakes said it will discontinue manufacturing the products and close the site July 1, upon which member milk shipped to the facility will be sold to an unrelated third party.
The company is planning a multi-million dollar investment in its Kiel plant, where cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese products are produced. Improves will include new milk silos, new cheese vats, upgraded whey receiving and a new vat room. The total planned investment was not disclosed.
The announcement follows a strategic review to maximize growth opportunities and expand market access for the company’s member owners.
“Wisconsin is a key growth area for Land O’Lakes, and decisions such as this will help us achieve our aggressive growth goals,” said Chris Policinski, president and chief executive officer of Land O’Lakes. “The investments at our Kiel plant will provide our members with increased opportunities to grow production in this critical region for our company.”
