Chobani's $1.2B NY Factory Investment to Create 1000+ Jobs

Chobani has announced a massive $1.2 billion investment to build what will become the largest dairy production facility in the United States, located in Rome, New York.

The announcement represents a significant expansion for the food and beverage company best known for pioneering Greek yogurt in the American market^1,^3.

The new 1.4 million square foot manufacturing plant will be capable of producing over one billion pounds of dairy products annually and is expected to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs in Oneida County^3,^5.

This development comes as Chobani experiences substantial growth, with the company reporting that its net sales increased by 17 percent last year to reach $2.52 billion^2.

The New Facility: Scale and Capabilities

The Rome facility, to be constructed at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park, will dramatically increase Chobani's production capacity to meet growing consumer demand^6. The company has indicated that construction will be completed by the end of 2026.

Production Capabilities

• The facility will house up to 28 production lines

• It will process approximately 12 million pounds of milk per day

• At full capacity, Chobani will purchase an estimated 6 billion pounds of milk annually from New York State dairy farms^4

FACILITY SPECIFICATIONS:
- Location: Rome, NY (Griffiss Business and Technology Park)
- Size: 1.4 million square feet
- Investment: $1.2 billion
- Annual production capacity: Over 1 billion pounds of dairy products
- Daily milk processing: 12 million pounds
- Completion target: End of 2026

This development represents a homecoming of sorts for Chobani, which began its operations in 2005 in a defunct Kraft factory in New York State.

The company has since grown into one of America's largest dairy producers, with its founder Hamdi Ulukaya maintaining majority ownership of the privately-held business.

Economic Impact and State Support

The economic impact of this investment extends beyond just the facility itself. New York State secured this project after Chobani conducted a competitive nationwide search for its next expansion location^5,^6.

New York State provided substantial incentives to secure the investment, including up to $73 million in performance-based tax credits through Empire State Development (ESD) and more than $23 million in site infrastructure investments through the FAST NY program^3,^7.

STATE INCENTIVE PACKAGE:
- $73 million in performance-based tax credits over a decade
- $23+ million in site infrastructure through FAST NY program
- Workforce development program collaboration
- Focus on hiring from underserved communities

Chobani plans to work with state officials to create a workforce development program specifically focused on training and hiring workers from underserved communities^3.

Strengthening New York's Dairy Industry

This investment comes at a critical time for New York's dairy industry, which has faced challenges in recent years. The Northeast region has experienced a decline in dairy farmers due to fluctuating prices and industry consolidation^7.

As one of the largest buyers of raw milk in New York State, Chobani already purchases over a billion pounds of raw milk annually from local dairy farms^4.

With the new facility, this figure is expected to increase to approximately 6 billion pounds per year, providing much-needed stability and growth opportunities for the region's dairy farmers^4,^7.

The expansion helps cement New York State's position as the number one yogurt producer in the nation, a status that Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted in the announcement^5,^6.

Chobani's Recent Growth and Expansion Strategy

This investment in Rome is part of a broader expansion strategy for Chobani.

Just last month, the company announced a $500 million expansion of its facility in Idaho, demonstrating its commitment to increasing production capacity across its U.S. operations^4,^7.

CHOBANI'S RECENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS:
- 17% increase in net sales in 2023 (reaching $2.52 billion)
- 20% growth in yogurt sales last year
- Acquisition of La Colombe coffee for $900 million in 2023
- $500 million expansion announced for Idaho facility in March 2025
- Current annual revenue of approximately $3 billion

The company has diversified beyond its original Greek yogurt products to include oat milk, creamers, and ready-to-drink coffee beverages following its acquisition of La Colombe in December 2023 for $900 million^2,^4.

This product diversification has contributed to the company's rapid growth, making it one of the fastest-expanding food companies in the nation.

Industry Context and Significance

Smaller food brands like Chobani have been capturing market share in the United States, competing effectively against larger corporations as budget-conscious consumers seek alternatives^8.

The company's continued investment in American production facilities stands in contrast to some competitors who have reduced their presence in the region^7.

Industry experts note that such substantial investment in the Northeast dairy infrastructure is particularly significant given the region's specific challenges, including elevated costs for energy and dairy cow feed^7.

The commitment to maintaining and expanding production in New York represents a vote of confidence in the region's agricultural future.

Looking Forward: What This Means for Chobani

This investment positions Chobani for continued growth and market leadership.

The new facility will not only increase production capacity for existing products but also provide the infrastructure needed to support new product innovations^8.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS:
- Massive increase in production capacity
- Support for continued product diversification
- Strengthened relationship with New York State
- Enhanced supply chain resilience
- Positioning for continued market leadership
- Potential foundation for future public offering

The company, which remains privately held with founder Hamdi Ulukaya maintaining majority ownership, is now valued at approximately $2.4 billion^7.

The substantial investments in production capacity are being funded through Chobani's existing cash reserves, demonstrating the company's strong financial position^7.

Final Thoughts

Chobani's $1.2 billion investment in Rome, New York represents one of the largest commitments to natural food manufacturing in American history.

By nearly doubling its New York State workforce and dramatically increasing its production capacity, the company is positioning itself for continued growth while bringing significant economic benefits to the Mohawk Valley region.

The development reinforces New York's leadership in yogurt production while providing crucial support to the state's dairy industry.

For Chobani, it marks another significant step in the company's remarkable journey from a small startup in a defunct factory to one of America's most successful food and beverage companies.

As the facility moves toward completion in 2026, investors and industry observers will be watching closely to see how this massive investment shapes both Chobani's future and the broader landscape of food manufacturing in the United States.