Gem State Dairy Products LLC has announced plans to establish one of the largest aseptic milk processing plants in the United States. The new facility is set to break ground in Twin Falls, Idaho, providing new opportunities for Idaho's dairy industry and creating more than 100 milk processing jobs by the end of 2020.

With construction anticipated to begin summer 2019, Gem State Dairy Products will build a 200,000-square-foot aseptic milk processing plant, which is expected to be one of the largest in the industry. The highly efficient plant will leverage the latest technologies to produce a variety of milk products for its customers. The company estimates milk processing will begin in the summer of 2020.

"This vertically integrated bottling facility will be one of the newest and largest aseptic processing facilities in the country. The state-of-the-art facility will utilize the most current technology available to the market," said Tom Mikesell, spokesperson for Gem State Dairy Products LLC. "That will allow Gem State to provide its customers with high-quality and lower-cost alternatives for milk and dairy-based beverages."

Karianne Fallow, chief executive officer of Dairy West, congratulated Gem State on its announcement. "The dairy industry in Idaho can best be described as innovative and forward-thinking. This new facility exhibits those qualities and is poised to serve the emerging needs of domestic and global customers,” she said.

The Idaho dairy industry produces a variety of dairy products, from milk and whey protein powders to cheese, butter, yogurt, fluid milk, and more. Only 3% of Idaho's milk supply currently stays in fluid form while the rest is made into ingredients that make their way to store shelves throughout the U.S., as well as around the world.

"Idaho is known globally for its high quality and readily available milk supply," said Rick Naerebout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen's Association. "Gem State will be a welcome addition to the existing milk-processing landscape in Idaho."