Gem State Dairy Products LLC said it plans to establish one of the largest aseptic milk processing plants in the United States. The new facility is set to break ground in Twin Falls, Idaho, providing new opportunities for Idaho's dairy industry and creating more than 100 milk processing jobs by the end of 2020.

Construction of the 200,000-square-foot aseptic milk processing plant is anticipated to begin summer 2019, the company said. The highly efficient plant will leverage the latest technologies to produce a variety of milk products for its customers. Gem State Dairy Products LLC estimates that milk processing will begin in the summer of 2020.

"The City of Twin Falls is excited to welcome Gem State's processing facility to the community, adding value to the dairy sector,” said Shawn Barigar, mayor of Twin Falls. “Their new operations will tap into the deep agricultural roots of the area, deliver unique products and provide great jobs to support individuals and families in Twin Falls."

The Idaho dairy industry produces a variety of dairy products, from milk and whey protein powders to cheese, butter, yogurt, fluid milk, and more. Only 3% of Idaho's milk supply currently stays in fluid form, Gem State Dairy Products said, while the rest is made into ingredients that make their way to store shelves throughout the United States, as well as around the world.

"This vertically integrated bottling facility will be one of the newest and largest aseptic processing facilities in the country,” said Tom Mikesell, spokesperson for Gem State Dairy Products. “The state-of-the-art facility will utilize the most current technology available to the market. That will allow Gem State to provide its customers with high-quality and lower-cost alternatives for milk and dairy-based beverages."