Southern Dairy Eyes Expansion in Watertown, New York

A Texas-based dairy company, Southern Dairy, is exploring the possibility of developing a 300,000-square-foot dairy processing plant on 40 acres of land outside Watertown, New York. This ambitious project, estimated to cost $250 million, aims to establish a facility on the property owned by Ron Robbins of Robbins Family Farm near Sackets Harbor.

The envisioned plant would utilize raw milk, skim milk, and whey sourced from regional dairy farms to create products such as milk powders, whey protein concentrate, and other dry dairy goods like infant formula. While Southern Dairy is also considering other locations across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, sources suggest that Watertown is the preferred choice.

Jay Matteson, Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator, noted that Southern Dairy showed initial interest in the North Country in 2023 and has since conducted several visits, with company representatives reportedly visiting monthly.

The project is spearheaded by The Lawman Group of Companies from Sackets Harbor, serving as the design builder and general contractor. Corry Lawler, the CEO, emphasized the strategic advantage of the site's proximity to a CSX railyard, which facilitates efficient shipping and is cost-effective compared to trucking. Additionally, 115kV transmission lines provide the necessary power for the plant. The approval process, expected to take several months in New York State, is underway.

The construction phase, anticipated to last two years, would generate several hundred construction jobs, with the plant eventually employing 80 individuals. Owen Mansill, CEO of Southern Dairy, highlighted that many positions would be high-paying technical roles in the modern facility. Lawler remarked that this could mark one of the most significant private investments in Jefferson County's history, while Matteson concluded that enhancing both dairy processing and milk production would be beneficial for the entire North Country.