Danone to expand Minster operation, add 30 jobs

Danone U.S. on Monday announced a major expansion of its yogurt facility in Minster, citing explosive growth in its product category due to increasing consumer-demand for nutrient-dense foods.

The multi-million-dollar investment includes an approximately 48,000-square-foot facility expansion, as well as a new production line and upgrades to existing lines, bringing as many as 30 new full-time jobs to its Minster location, the company said in a news release. Danone did not divulge the exact value of the project.

"The yogurt category is experiencing explosive growth driven by consumers seeking more nutrient-dense foods that are high in protein and rich in nutrients and probiotic benefits. This investment in the Minster Yogurt facility offers expanded capacity to address that consumer demand," the company noted in the release.

To meet this increasing demand and output, Danone will purchase 60% more milk for the Minster yogurt facility over the next couple years, which will include working with existing producer partners to increase their production and onboarding new local farms into the Danone family.

"For nearly a decade, Danone has partnered with dozens of farmers across the U.S. to source the ingredients that go into the nutritious products consumers love," Danone commented in the release.

The enhanced facility will also create approximately 30 new, full-time jobs with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, the release said.

"Today's announcement reflects the kind of public-private partnership that makes Minster and Auglaize County a great place to invest and to live," said Minster Mayor Craig Oldiges in the release. "For decades, Danone has invested in our community - creating good jobs, supporting local initiatives, and setting a standard for responsible growth. Danone's continued growth at the Minster plant honors this legacy of innovation and community engagement while charting a path for even more opportunity. The Village of Minster and Auglaize County are grateful for Danone's confidence in our workforce and infrastructure, and we're committed to supporting their success for years to come."

A news release from Gov. Mike DeWine's office reported the company is set to receive a state tax credit for the expansion, which is expected to create almost $2 million in annual payroll. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.225%, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project during its August meeting.

"Danone's Minster plant was one of the corporation's first operations in North America, demonstrating how Ohio's rural towns can provide a competitive advantage for the world's most successful companies," said DeWine in a statement. "We welcome Danone's new investment in this plant, expanding on a partnership that has strengthened the company, the community, and the farming industry nearby."

The Minster plant produces popular brands such as Oikos, Activia, Dannon and Danimals. Danone produces and sells yogurt worldwide.

"I want to thank our team at Minster and our many partners in the Ohio community, including Governor DeWine, for their hard work to get to this point, and for the work to come as we expand this great facility," said Dan Magliocco, president of Danone North America.

In June, Danone announced the opening of a new $65 million production line in Jacksonville, Florida. That project was an expansion of a 115,025-square-foot facility that the company said has been a cornerstone of the Jacksonville community since 1948. The expansion was to support the continued growth of Danone's coffee and creamer portfolio, including high-performing brands such as International Delight creamers and SToK Cold Brew Coffee.

The Danone operation in Minster got its start in 1968 when Dannon Co. purchased a local dairy factory, where it started making yogurt. Six years later, production was moved next door to a 433,000-square-foot facility.