Muller Quaker Dairy, a joint venture between PepsiCo and Theo Muller, has opened a new $206m yogurt manufacturing facility in Batavia, New York, US.
The facility will serve as a national production and distribution center for Muller yogurt, which was launched in selected markets in 2012.
PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi said that the company continues to perform at an extremely high level while simultaneously transforming its portfolio for the future and strengthening position in food and beverage categories.
"We have invested over many years to expand our global nutrition offerings in ways that allow us to capitalize on new growth opportunities, and the new Muller Quaker Dairy facility demonstrates continued progress against this key business priority," Nooyi added.
Theo Muller Group owner Theo Muller said that expanding its brand from Europe to the US has been a long-time goal for the company.
"We are proud to partner with PepsiCo on this important business venture and we look forward to years of success in this country," Muller added.
The 350,000ft2 facility, which will employ approximately 180 people, will initially feature three production lines which will produce more than 120,000 cups of yogurt per hour. It can accommodate up to eight production lines with room for future expansion.
The plant is located on 82-acres land at Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park which is one of the leading concentrated milk producing and processing regions in the country.
Muller Quaker Dairy will source milk for the yogurt products locally and products manufactured at the plant will include Muller Corner, Muller Greek Corner and Muller FrutUp varieties.
