Idaho Milk Products, Jerome, Idaho, announced plans to grow its specialized milk protein concentrate and dairy ingredients business through a $26 million expansion to its Jerome facility. Processing capacity will expand by one-third — accommodating an additional 1 million pounds per day of locally sourced milk. The project will also include investments in new research and development capabilities, enhanced employee facilities and an expanded warehouse.

“The project is a logical next step for us, one that maximizes the current potential of our exceptional facility while increasing our ability to continue to add long-term value to everything we do, acknowledging in the process that we are nothing without our people,” said Daragh Maccabee, CEO.

The project is expected to be completed by August 2019, noted Ben Quellhorst, vice president of operations.

“We are pleased to manage this project through a team of in-house experts and key vendor partners, facilitating project completion by the scheduled date,” he said.

As part of the expansion, Idaho Milk Products said it will add about 25 new employees, including positions in research and development, quality assurance, administration, warehousing, production and transportation.