A new dairy processing facility has recently opened in Amarillo, Texas, bringing with it the promise of economic growth and job opportunities. The facility is a joint venture between two major dairy industry players, Select Milk Producers and Amano McGann.

The plant, which began operations in April, has the capacity to process up to three million pounds of milk per day, producing a variety of dairy products such as cheese, butter, and whole and skim milk. The facility also includes a whey processing plant, which will produce whey protein concentrate and lactose.

The opening of the plant is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Amarillo area. The facility employs over 100 people, with plans to hire more as the plant expands its operations. The plant also sources milk from local dairy farms, providing a market for dairy producers in the region and boosting the local economy.

“This plant represents a significant investment in the Texas Panhandle,” said Tom Magee, CEO of Select Milk Producers. “We’re proud to be a part of the Amarillo community and are committed to supporting the local economy and creating job opportunities for the people who call this region home.”

The facility is also expected to have a positive impact on the wider dairy industry in Texas, which is already one of the largest dairy-producing states in the country. According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, the state’s dairy industry generates $14 billion in economic activity each year, supporting over 50,000 jobs.

“Texas has a strong and growing dairy industry, and this new processing facility will only add to that strength,” said Sid Miller, Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture. “I’m excited to see the opportunities this plant will create for Texas dairy farmers, and the economic growth it will bring to the region.”

The opening of the Amarillo facility comes at a time of significant growth in the U.S. dairy industry, as demand for dairy products continues to rise both domestically and internationally. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. dairy exports reached a record high in 2021, with exports of cheese, butter, and whole and skim milk powder all increasing.

The new facility in Amarillo is well-positioned to take advantage of this growing demand for dairy products, with its state-of-the-art equipment and strategic location in the heart of the Texas Panhandle.

“We’re excited to be a part of the growing dairy industry in Texas,” said Brian Amano, CEO of Amano McGann. “This new facility will allow us to provide high-quality dairy products to customers across the region and beyond, while also creating jobs and economic opportunities for the people of Amarillo.”