Chobani completed the construction of a 1 million-square-foot plant in Twin Falls, Idaho, in 326 days. The New York-based yogurt maker called it the world’s largest
yogurt manufacturing facility. Ground-breaking was held in December 2011, construction began in January 2012 and the building was completed on Dec. 17, 2012.
In a conference call with reporters, Chobani executives Kyle O’Brien, Stephen Dean and Tim Seaton said the capabilities at the plant allow for the manufacturing of products with texture, such as nuts and coconut pieces. Among these products are 5-pound and 25-pound pails for foodservice accounts. Dean, the vice president of sales for foodservice, said the large formats are the result of requests from customers. Chobani wants its products to be used as an ingredient in recipes. He added that a test kitchen in Charlotte, N.C., is developing recipes using Greek yogurt.