New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced the groundbreaking of a $24 million expansion at Byrne Dairy's Ultra Dairy plant — the first phase of the company's $125 million plan to expand and create nearly 250 jobs in Onondaga County, N.Y.

According to the announcement, the initial phase will create 30 new jobs and includes a 42,000 sq. ft. expansion that will allow the plant to increase its packaging capability as well as add additional processing capacity and storage space. Over the course of three phases supported by a $15 million state investment, the company is planning several additional projects at its other production and warehouse facilities.

"Dairy is a major part of our agricultural industry, and the expansion of operations at Byrne Dairy will help to further grow this critical sector of our economy," Cuomo said. "Byrne Dairy is a fourth-generation, family-owned New York business, and its expansion will create jobs, spur economic development and help central New York continue to rise."

In addition to the 30 new jobs, the Ultra Dairy expansion will result in the retention of almost 200 jobs at the facility. The company's Ultra Dairy plant, which first opened in 2004, uses an ultra-high-temperature pasteurization process to extend shelf life of up to 150 days. Ultra Dairy processes conventional and organic milk, cream and other dairy products as well as a variety of non-dairy products. The expansion will allow Byrne Dairy to substantially increase output by adding processing capacity and increasing efficiencies in downstream equipment.

"Smart economic development is about creating jobs and expanding in areas where we excel, and New York state's agricultural community is second to none," said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who made the announcement. "Byrne Dairy is a staple in central New York, and this investment will continue to grow the state's thriving agricultural sector, bringing jobs and opportunities to the region."

In addition to the Ultra Dairy expansion, Byrne Dairy has proposed several additional projects at its other production and warehouse facilities. The projects are being supported by $7.5 million CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative Grant and another $7.5 million through the Excelsior Tax Credit Program in exchange for the job creation commitments. Additional projects include a further expansion of the Ultra Dairy facility; expansion of the company's yogurt and cultured product facility in Cortlandville, N.Y., and an expansion of its warehouse capabilities in Syracuse and Dewitt, N.Y., which will result in the creation of 248 new jobs.

"We're excited to begin this next chapter of Ultra Dairy's growth,” said Carl Byrne, president and chief executive officer of Byrne Dairy. “Our ability to expand to meet the growing demands of our customers is critical to the success of not only Byrne Dairy but also family farms throughout central New York.”

He added that under "Cuomo's leadership, Empire State Development has been a strategic partner in ensuring Byrne Dairy's continued growth.”

Originally founded in 1933, Byrne Dairy currently operates four production facilities in central New York. In addition to the extended-shelf life facility, the company operates a fresh milk plant, an ice cream plant in downtown Syracuse and a yogurt/cultured products facility in Cortlandville. The storied company has wholesale distribution centers throughout New York and in Massachusetts. The company also operates a chain of more than 60 convenience stores throughout upstate New York.

"This expansion is excellent news for our dairy producers, who are facing many challenges in today's marketplace, and for Byrne Dairy, an excellent, long-standing New York state processor,” state agriculture commissioner Richard Ball said. “Through its participation in the New York State Grown & Certified program, Byrne Dairy is assisting in the state's efforts to promote local dairy that is produced with a focus on food safety and environmental sustainability. We thank Gov. Cuomo and Empire State Development for investing in agriculture, which is helping to boost the industry at a time when it needs it most."