WALTON - One of Delaware County’s largest private-sector employers - Lactalis, in Walton, - is slated to undergo a $15 million modernization project focused on automation and expansion of production lines, according to a press release issued by New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday, June 30.
Lactalis has committed to investing a total of $75 million into both the Walton and Buffalo facilities, the press release states, which will help retain a total of 800 jobs and create an additional 50.
The Lactalis plant in Walton currently employs approximately 150 people, according to spokesperson Chris Bona. The upgrades will create an additional 20 jobs.
“Lactalis USA is part of the world’s largest dairy company with an unrivaled house of dairy product brands, and we are proud to be a part of the Walton community. Our priorities are investing in employees, our brands and our manufacturing operations, which includes the additional 20 jobs at our facility in Walton,” Bona said.
The Walton plant produces Breakstone’s sour cream and cottage cheese; while demand for high-protein foods, like cottage cheese, is increasing, the facility is restricted by limited capacity. The $15 million investment will automate and expand the cottage cheese and sour cream production lines, enhancing efficiency, capacity, and sustainability, continue extensive maintenance of currently used technology, and increase versatility for product innovation, the press release states.
The upgrade project will include installation of new fillers, HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) air filtration, advanced lab equipment, new roofing, boiler upgrades, and other investments to improve the facility. Overall, the upgrades are anticipated to result in a 30% boost in product output.
New York State Empire State Development (ESD) is offering $750,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits for the Walton project, recognizing Walton as an ecnomically distressed community, in exchange for Lactalias’ investment for job retention and creation commitments.
Both the Walton and Buffalo projects are expected to be complete in 2027.
