Suntado Launches State-of-the-Art Dairy Processing Facility in Idaho
Source: The DairyNews
Suntado, a leading US contract manufacturer, has inaugurated a new 190,000-square-foot dairy processing facility in Burley, Idaho. This cutting-edge plant is set to commence operations this month, boasting a daily processing capacity of up to 1 million lbs of local milk. The facility is geared towards producing shelf-stable and extended shelf life (ESL) milk, alongside a variety of other liquid dairy and non-dairy beverages.
Strategically located in the heart of Idaho, the third-largest dairy-producing state in the US, the facility benefits from a vertically integrated milk supply. Owners Dirk Reitsma and Jesus Hurtado, who collectively own 36,000 organic and conventional dairy cows located within 20 miles of the site, ensure a steady influx of fresh milk. This integration enables the facility to handle both processing and packaging operations seamlessly in one location.
Tory Nichols, from the office of the CEO at Suntado, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility, highlighting its unique position in the market. "This facility not only provides security in milk supply but also offers flexibility and scalability to countless brands looking to develop private-label beverages," Nichols said. He also noted the critical role of Tetra Pak in enhancing the facility’s capabilities with their shelf-stable technology.
The plant represents phase one of a three-phase project sprawled across 23 acres, with future expansions expected to triple its current capacity. Although Suntado will not produce its own branded dairy products, the facility is designed to support other retailers and national brands in creating private-label offerings.
Initially, the focus will be on producing shelf-stable and ESL milk, creams, and other dairy-based beverages. Plans are in place to extend production to include a broader range of non-dairy beverages. Seth Teply, president and CEO of Tetra Pak US and Canada, lauded the initiative: “Shelf-stable dairy products extend safe food access and reduce food waste. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Suntado on this pioneering venture.”
The facility is equipped with five Tetra Pak packaging lines, including advanced technology for a variety of packaging sizes and types, which underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the dairy industry.
Tory Nichols, from the office of the CEO at Suntado, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility, highlighting its unique position in the market. "This facility not only provides security in milk supply but also offers flexibility and scalability to countless brands looking to develop private-label beverages," Nichols said. He also noted the critical role of Tetra Pak in enhancing the facility’s capabilities with their shelf-stable technology.
The plant represents phase one of a three-phase project sprawled across 23 acres, with future expansions expected to triple its current capacity. Although Suntado will not produce its own branded dairy products, the facility is designed to support other retailers and national brands in creating private-label offerings.
Initially, the focus will be on producing shelf-stable and ESL milk, creams, and other dairy-based beverages. Plans are in place to extend production to include a broader range of non-dairy beverages. Seth Teply, president and CEO of Tetra Pak US and Canada, lauded the initiative: “Shelf-stable dairy products extend safe food access and reduce food waste. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Suntado on this pioneering venture.”
The facility is equipped with five Tetra Pak packaging lines, including advanced technology for a variety of packaging sizes and types, which underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the dairy industry.
