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    Dairy Processor NewsInnovationSustainability

    California Dairies opens state-of-the-art manufacturing plant

    California Dairies opens state-of-the-art facility

    Courtesy of California Dairies.

    May 1, 2025

    California Dairies Inc. (CDI) celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, Valley Natural Beverages (VNB) in Bakersfield, Calif.

    The 200,000-square-foot greenfield facility meets the growing demand for innovative fluid milk products in both the U.S. and international markets. The vertically integrated plant will begin processing an estimated116,000 gallons of local milk dairy, showcasing the local nature of California’s dairy industry.

    The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, alongside California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross, Kern County Supervisor David Couch, and local officials, community leaders, and company executives.

    “We are thrilled to officially open this cutting-edge facility,” said Brad Anderson, president and CEO of CDI. “This investment underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability. The new plant will allow us to increase production capacity, expand our product offerings, improve efficiency, and create next-generation jobs for the local community."

    The state-of-the-art shelf-stable milk manufacturing facility features advanced robotics, energy-efficient technologies, and a commitment to environmental sustainability incorporating renewal energy sources and waste conservation. The plant will open with three processing lines to produce conventional extended shelf life (ESL) and ultra-high temperature (UHT) dairy beverages and products. 

    VNB’s strategic growth plan includes multiple phases to expand to 10-12 processing and filling production lines in the future, tripling the facility’s current capacity. When all phases are completed, the facility will be 400,000 square-feet, processing up to 600,000 gallons per day of fresh local milk.

    “Value-added dairy products like ESL and UHT are popular options in today’s changing marketplace,” said Peter Ernster, senior vice president, ingredients and fluid products. “This facility allows us to meet that demand with innovative products."

    CDI has hired 90 full-time employees for the facility, providing market-competitive compensation and benefits, contributing to the creation of next-generation industry "4.0 jobs."

    The project was made possible with the support of strong partners, including Big-D Construction, Tetra Pak, E.A. Bonelli + Associates, Inc., JCS Process & Control Systems, Elopak, Mark III, Interlake Mecalux, and Dairy Conveyor.

    KEYWORDS: ESL esl dairy products ESL extended shelf life UHT UHT milk

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      Established in 1999, California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) is a milk marketing and processing cooperative co-owned by nearly 400 dairy farming families. Our independent, family-owned member dairies are located throughout California’s rural landscape from San Diego County in the south to Sacramento County in the north. With 100 percent of our member dairies located within 100 miles of a CDI manufacturing facility or customer creamery, our member-owners’ fresh, raw milk is transformed into a variety of high-quality dairy products within 24 hours of arrival. As a leading manufacturer of butter, milk powder, nutritional milk powder and fluid milk products, we only use high-quality, simple ingredients in our products. At CDI, we believe that we are stronger together: on-farm and at the processing facility. Through the partnership with our member-owners, we work concertedly to ensure the production of safe, healthy and nutritious milk and dairy products for our customers and consumers.
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      Established in 1999, California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) is a milk marketing and processing cooperative co-owned by nearly 400 dairy farming families. Our independent, family-owned member dairies are located throughout California’s rural landscape from San Diego County in the south to Sacramento County in the north. With 100 percent of our member dairies located within 100 miles of a CDI manufacturing facility or customer creamery, our member-owners’ fresh, raw milk is transformed into a variety of high-quality dairy products within 24 hours of arrival. As a leading manufacturer of butter, milk powder, nutritional milk powder and fluid milk products, we only use high-quality, simple ingredients in our products. At CDI, we believe that we are stronger together: on-farm and at the processing facility. Through the partnership with our member-owners, we work concertedly to ensure the production of safe, healthy and nutritious milk and dairy products for our customers and consumers.
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      Established in 1999, California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) is a milk marketing and processing cooperative co-owned by nearly 400 dairy farming families. Our independent, family-owned member dairies are located throughout California’s rural landscape from San Diego County in the south to Sacramento County in the north. With 100 percent of our member dairies located within 100 miles of a CDI manufacturing facility or customer creamery, our member-owners’ fresh, raw milk is transformed into a variety of high-quality dairy products within 24 hours of arrival. As a leading manufacturer of butter, milk powder, nutritional milk powder and fluid milk products, we only use high-quality, simple ingredients in our products. At CDI, we believe that we are stronger together: on-farm and at the processing facility. Through the partnership with our member-owners, we work concertedly to ensure the production of safe, healthy and nutritious milk and dairy products for our customers and consumers.
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