Historic Dairy Investment
Chobani Announces $1.2 Billion Lehigh Valley Campus to Boost Pennsylvania Dairy
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Key Points
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Allentown campus will be built with up to 10 production lines to scale new dairy formats, including high-protein shakes and multi-serve milks, building on Chobani’s two decades of dairy expertise.
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The site’s strategic location places it within 500 miles of about 40% of the U.S. population, providing access to major consumer markets and faster product distribution.
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Chobani will acquire Keurig Dr Pepper's Allentown manufacturing facility and warehouse, including its equipment and related infrastructure; the site was opened in 2021 and was named Food Engineering’s Plant of the Year.
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The project is expected to expand markets for roughly 4,000 Pennsylvania dairy farmers and boost statewide milk production by about 30%, with the plant sourcing more than 3 billion pounds of milk annually.
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The Upper Macungie Township site is located at 7356 Industrial Boulevard, Lehigh Valley.
Chobani is investing $1.2 billion to build its first dairy manufacturing operation in Pennsylvania, creating roughly 900 jobs over five years. Food Dive reports the company will take over a Keurig Dr Pepper facility in Upper Macungie Township in the Lehigh Valley and transform it into a major production hub for new dairy products.
The 1.5 million-square-foot campus marks the largest private-sector investment in Pennsylvania's agricultural history, according to Hoodline. Chobani plans to source more than 3 billion pounds of milk annually from roughly 4,000 state dairy farmers, boosting production by about 30% statewide.
From Yogurt Maker to Full Dairy Producer
Chobani built its reputation on Greek yogurt over two decades. Now the company is expanding into new dairy formats. CitiBiz reports the Allentown campus will feature up to 10 production lines making high-protein shakes, multi-serve milks, and other products beyond yogurt.
The facility itself is already state-of-the-art. Daily Voice notes the former Keurig plant opened in 2021 and earned Food Engineering's Plant of the Year award. Chobani gains proven equipment and infrastructure by acquiring the site.
Strategic Location Reaches 40% of the US Market
Location matters for food manufacturing. The Upper Macungie facility sits within 500 miles of roughly 40% of the U.S. population, giving Chobani fast access to major consumer markets and shorter shipping times.
Speed and proximity reduce costs. Retailers and distributors across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic can receive products faster. This advantage makes the Lehigh Valley a smart choice for a company scaling national distribution.
Massive Boost for Pennsylvania's Struggling Dairy Farmers
Pennsylvania's dairy industry has faced years of pressure. The new Chobani plant changes that dramatically. Daily Voice states the facility will expand markets for over 4,000 state dairy farmers and boost statewide milk production by roughly 30%.
The plant's appetite is enormous: more than 3 billion pounds of Pennsylvania milk annually. For farmers, this means stable demand and new income opportunities. Governor Josh Shapiro framed the deal as transforming the state's dairy future.
Chobani's Push Beyond Its Greek Yogurt Core
Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya sees Pennsylvania as central to the company's growth strategy. The $1.2 billion commitment signals confidence in dairy's future and Chobani's ability to compete beyond yogurt in shakes and milk products.
The five-year timeline means hiring ramps up gradually. Food Dive reports 900 jobs will come online over that period, offering manufacturing, operations, and support roles in the Lehigh Valley labor market.
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