Swiss Valley Farms has transitioned production of its Baby Swiss wheels, loaves and no-salt-added Swiss blocks from its former manufacturing site in Platteville to White Hill Cheese Co., LLC, in Shullsburg. Swiss Valley Farms entered into a joint venture with Emmi-Roth Käse USA to establish White Hill Cheese in August of 2010, with the goal of increasing production of Baby Swiss and other Swiss varieties.
According to Swiss Valley Farms CEO Don Boelens, the relocation of production to the Shullsburg location was eminent. "We were eager to move our Platteville production to a more modern and expanded facility, and we found that opportunity with White Hill," said Boelens.
The Shullsburg site, which was acquired by Swiss Valley Farms in 2005, consists of a 24,000 square foot cheese manufacturing plant, a 50,000 square foot warehouse and a waste-water treatment facility.
Because the new site is located in southwestern Wisconsin, Boelens noted that Swiss Valley Farms cooperative members are unaffected by the shift. "Co-op member milk is the sole milk supplier to White Hill, which means there is still a secure market for our members' milk," Boelens said.
The former manufacturing plant in Platteville is no longer operational. Former Platteville employees were encouraged to apply and interview for positions at White Hill Cheese. Thirteen former Platteville employees accepted offers of employment at White Hill Cheese or elsewhere within the Swiss Valley Farms organization.
Swiss Valley Farms is currently considering future opportunities for the Platteville property, which is still owned by the cooperative.
Created in 1958, Swiss Valley Farms, is owned by approximately 900 dairy producers.