Prairie Farms Dairy, one of the largest and most successful dairy cooperatives operating in the Midwest and the South, has announced the acquisition of the SmithFoods manufacturing facilities in Orrville, Ohio. Prairie Farms Dairy is an Illinois-based dairy cooperative founded in 1938, and SmithFoods is an Ohio-based family-owned company founded in 1909. Both companies have a distinguished history of manufacturing a full line of high-quality dairy products, and the collaboration strengthens the farm-to-table values embraced by Prairie Farms and SmithFoods.

"Like Prairie Farms, SmithFoods prides itself on providing high-quality dairy products to its community and being a good neighbor. We are excited to welcome their employees to the Prairie Farms Family of Companies, and we look forward to serving SmithFoods loyal customers with the same exceptional local dairy products and community support they have come to expect," said Matt McClelland, chief executive officer/ executive vice president of Prairie Farms Dairy. "As a farmer-owned cooperative, we're always open to exploring opportunities that will return value to our dairy farmers. The SmithFoods acquisition was an easy decision because the Orrville facilities complement our network of dairy plants and expand our Ohio footprint."

Nate Schmid, president/CEO of SmithFoods, commented: "We are thrilled and grateful to join the Prairie Farms Family of Companies. This represents a significant step in preserving and enhancing the legacies built by our customers, associates, producers, and their families over four generations. We deeply appreciate everyone who has contributed to the success of SmithFoods. By passing the torch to Prairie Farms, we are confident that their commitment to our shared values, community, and industry will ensure the continued success of our business for generations to come.”

The change is effective immediately, and both companies are committed to a seamless integration with no disruption in manufacturing and delivery services or other day-to-day operations.

Prairie Farms Dairy is a cooperative that includes more than 600 farm families, 7,000 associates, 47 manufacturing plants, 100+ distribution facilities, and annual sales of over $4.69 billion. With headquarters in Edwardsville, Ill., the Prairie Farms distribution footprint covers over 30% of the United States.