Cayuga Milk Ingredients (CMI), a farmer-owned dairy processor, in collaboration with food processing and packaging solutions company Tetra Pak, has inaugurated a two-phase, $270m expanded facility in Auburn, Cayuga County, New York, US.
The project added a 235,000ft² state-of-the-art consumer goods plant to CMI’s existing facility, generating opportunities for New York State dairy farmers.
Phase one of the project expanded CMI’s Eagle Drive facility with the installation of an ultra-high temperature (UHT)/aseptic low-acid packaging system and a new reverse osmosis filtration system.
Additional machinery and equipment were installed in phase two, along with the expansion of the facility’s wastewater treatment plant.
New York State supported the expansion project with an investment of $8m. It is expected to more than double CMI’s workforce by creating up to 150 new jobs.
Tetra Pak and CMI are working towards advancing shelf-stable packaging solutions through this expansion. These solutions aim to offer cost savings, production efficiencies, and minimise environmental impact.
Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada contract manufacturing VP Mat Rutz said: “Shelf-stable innovation continues to redefine what’s possible in food and beverage.
“Working with companies like CMI to expand their portfolio by providing innovative processing and packaging solutions for their products is energising. We’re proud to continue driving this bold new chapter for our industry with sustainable growth in mind.”
The expansion allows CMI to enhance its dairy ingredients portfolio, which includes milk powders, protein powders, and fluid milk products.
The new consumer goods dairy plant positions CMI as a premium contract manufacturing solution for value-added dairy products, emphasising nutritional and environmental impact.
Earlier in June 2025, Tetra Pak revealed a 25% decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout its value chain since 2019, as outlined in its financial year 2024 (FY24) Sustainability Report.
