Southwest Pulse: March 2010
Hilmar Cheese Company raises the walls on Dalhart, Texas facility expansion
DALHART, Texas – Builders, welders and electricians are busy as Hilmar Cheese Company, and its division, Hilmar Ingredients, lifting walls into place as part of the Phase II project at its relatively new Dalhart facility.
Hilmar Cheese is investing another $100 million in the facility, bringing the total investment to more than $200 million. The expansion includes additional milk storage capacity, natural American-style cheese production lines and expands Hilmar’s line of innovative and highly functional whey products.
“Ultimately, the addition will give us the ability to double capacity in Texas,” explained John Jeter, chief executive officer and president of Hilmar Cheese. “We are installing emerging technology to increase our ability to meet our customers’ changing needs.”
Located in the Texas Panhandle, Hilmar Cheese enjoys Texas’ positive business climate, reliable regulatory environment and central location, which have created a booming dairy region there. More than 25 growing dairies provide a high quality milk supply to Hilmar Cheese plant.
“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our employees, the Dalhart facility is a tremendous success,” explained David Ahlem, Dalhart site manager. “We will be hiring and training an additional 50 people to join our team this year.”
The expansion will be commissioned in late 2010.
Mid-South Ruminant Nutrition Conf., April 12-13
alARLINGTON, Texas – The Mid-South Ruminant Nutrition Conference will be held April 12-13 at the Hilton Arlington.
Topics will include: Metabolic considerations for immunity in transition cows; effect of over supplementation of trace minerals on the environment; the nutritionist’s checklist for animal health; dairy’s environmental footprint; how to monitor the impact of ration changes on nitrogen and macro-mineral efficiencies; evaluating efficiency for Holsteins and Jerseys; the immune system and mastitis; Nutrition-reproduction interactions.
Early registration is $80, while registration after March 23 is $95. For reservations, call Hotel Arlington 817-640-3322. For more information contact Ellen Jordan’s office at 972-952-9201; fax 972-952-9632; website www.txanc.org; or e-mail e-jordan2@tamu.edu.