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A proposed $25 million retooling of the Byrne Dairy processing facility in the town of Cortlandville next year is a clear signal that the company has a long-term commitment to Cortland County, says BDC executive director Garry L. VanGorder.
“Any great company – and Byrne Dairy is a great company – is constantly evaluating market trends and projecting how its business might evolve and thrive in the coming years,” VanGorder said. “That’s what’s happening here. It’s all about sustainability.”
The facility at Byrne Hollow on Route 13 has been used primarily for yogurt and sour cream production since it was built in 2014.
Today, company officials say the yogurt market is saturated as it pivots to the extended shelf life and aseptic platforms.
“This investment in our Cortlandville facility will have an instant impact on our ability to serve these markets,” said Byrne President and CEO Carl Byrne.
Expansion of the facility is scheduled to begin in January 2022 and finish in October of 2022. The project will comprise installation of new processing and filling equipment lines and the building footprint will be expanded.
The company’s current workforce of 80 people will be reduced during the construction process but the planned investment in the Cortlandville facility is expected to create 50 construction jobs.
Once completed Byrne expects its full complement of workers to return in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Byrne Dairy employs nearly 600 people at its central New York dairy plants and warehouses. The company’s convenience stores employ another 1300 people across the region.
