DODGE CITY, KAN. — Hilmar, one of the world’s largest cheese manufacturers and a global supplier of whey ingredients, celebrated the official opening of the company's newest manufacturing site in Dodge City, Kan. 

Leaders from Hilmar were joined by Kansas Governor Kelly, US Senator Jerry Moran and other federal, state and local officials to officially mark the start of production of Hilmar cheese in Kansas.

“I am pleased that Hilmar Cheese Company chose to build its new production facility in Dodge City,” said Kelly. “This investment in our state is a strong signal to industry leaders around the globe that Kansas has the workforce and infrastructure for companies to be competitive.”

Hilmar’s Dodge City facility makes American-style cheese in commercial 40-lb blocks which are then sold wholesale to customers and used in a variety of foods. The site also produces a wide range of proteins to meet the needs of customers worldwide.

“We are grateful to the state and local officials who supported this project and thrilled to celebrate with them today,” said David Ahlem, president and chief executive officer, Hilmar. “We chose to build in Dodge City because of the local and skilled labor force, supportive and expanding agricultural region and excellent transportation network. The superior collaboration with local, regional and state leaders in Kansas has further confirmed that we made the right choice.”

According to Hilmar, the Dodge City facility incorporates the latest technology in sustainability and conservation. The advanced instrumentation and automated control systems minimize the water needed to keep the plant clean and reduce energy use. Recycled water is used further to process protein, clean the facility and equipment and reclaim heat. Upgraded spray nozzles were installed for more efficient cleaning. The cleaning process also reuses rinse water.

The sustainability effort continues throughout the site with efficient pumps and equipment. These features will decrease the plant’s greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity and minimize water use. Hilmar is part of the US Dairy Stewardship Commitment to achieve a carbon-neutral dairy industry by 2050. The advancements in Dodge City will help Hilmar meet this goal, according to the company. 

“We appreciate everyone who has helped bring us to this point,” said Ahlem. “Thank you to our internal teams, some of whom moved here, and the hundreds of contractors and suppliers who partnered with us to ensure the facility was built and operational on schedule. We are also grateful to the dairy farm families in Southwest Kansas for their investment to supply us milk.”

Hilmar’s Dodge City site now employs nearly 250 people and represents more than $600 million in capital investment. 

“Dodge City is a wonderful community,” he said. “We are very happy to be operating in Kansas.”