Irish dairy giant Glanbia plc and three U.S. dairy cooperatives said they are in “advanced discussions” to create a stand-alone joint venture to build and operate a  cheese and whey production facility in Michigan. Glanbia would own 50% of the joint venture, with the remainder held by its U.S. partners: Dairy Farmers of America, Michigan Milk Producers Association and Foremost Farms USA.

The plant is projected to process 8 million pounds (3.6 million liters) of milk daily.  DFA, MMPA and Foremost Farms would supply all milk required by the plant. Glanbia will have full responsibility for all commercial, technical and operational aspects of the business.  If the project proceeds as planned, commissioning of the new facility is expected to take place in the second half of 2019.