Leprino Foods Co, Denver, says it will close its mozzarella cheese manufacturing facilities in Hartington and Dodge, Neb. by the end of this month.
The closings, which will affect about 175 people, are based on the dwindling milk supply in Eastern Nebraska, combined with the need to capitalize on greater economies of scale at other locations, the company said. Leprino recently opened what will ultimately become the world’s largest mozzarella cheese manufacturing plant in Lemoore, Calif.