Leprino Foods: A Pillar in the Global Dairy Industry
Leprino Foods stands as a dominant force in the dairy market, celebrated for its innovation and leadership in cheese production. The company has earned a reputation as the world's foremost producer of mozzarella cheese, with a significant impact on the global dairy landscape.
Company Location and Facilities
Leprino Foods operates nine manufacturing facilities across the United States, with additional operations in the United Kingdom and Brazil. These facilities form the backbone of the company's global supply network. A strategic change saw the closure of the Wheatland Township cheese plant, previously a critical part of its operations. Despite this, the company's strategic footprint remains robust and influential.
Important Events and Developments
One notable event was the acquisition of the Wheatland Township plant by the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA). This acquisition is aimed at revitalizing the facility, creating 63 new jobs, and boosting the local economy, highlighting the plant's strategic importance to the dairy market.
Leprino Foods recently reached a significant milestone with the completion of a new $1 billion cheese processing facility in Lubbock, Texas. This expansion, fully self-funded, underscores the company's commitment to expanding its capabilities and addressing challenges within the global dairy market.
In contrast, the company has announced the closure of its renowned mozzarella plant in Tracy, California, scheduled for the end of 2025. The company is dedicated to supporting affected employees through severance packages and relocation opportunities.
Company Plans
The MMPA's initiative to rejuvenate the Wheatland Township plant signifies a new era for the facility, with plans to enhance cheese production capabilities in response to growing market demand. This aligns with industry trends focused on expansion and sustainability.
Leprino Foods is optimizing its remaining facilities to compensate for the production capacity lost from the Tracy plant closure. With exports reaching over 80 countries, the company maintains its role as the largest mozzarella cheese and lactose manufacturer globally. The strategic shift involves closing older plants while opening new high-capacity facilities, such as the one in Texas, to strengthen its supply chain in the pizza cheese market.
Modified: 2026/01/07