The company has plans for new lines to increase production of cottage cheese, sour cream and cream products.
“This investment continues our focus on innovation and technology that will help us expand beyond the U.S. and ultimately feed the world with the highest quality products from Superior Dairy,” Greg Soehnlen, company president, said in a news release.
The Soehnlen family has operated Superior Dairy since 1922. Greg Soehnlen said in the release that Superior Dairy has grown to become the largest fluid milk producer serving customers across the country.
Project details
This summer, the company will begin work to expand its facility at 4719 Navarre Road SW — a $1 million investment — and install new equipment valued at $9.5 million.
The work is set to be completed before the end of 2022, according to records the company submitted to Stark County commissioners in April.
The records show that Superior Dairy and its affiliate, LEL Logistics, will receive a 100% tax exemption on the expansion for 10 years through a community reinvestment area agreement.
Superior Dairy said it was being courted to build a facility in other communities and states, according to the tax abatement filing.
Additionally, the company is using economic development grants and paycheck protection program funds to finance the expansion.
This summer’s investment is a continuation on a project that began in 2017, according to the county records. The company invested $7 million toward its production line and infrastructure improvements in 2018, and another $7 million was invested in 2019, the records show.
Partnership
County and state officials worked with Superior Dairy on the expansion project. The Stark Economic Development Board, JobsOhio and Team NEO worked with commissioners, Perry Township and state legislators to secure support for the project.
Ohio Sen. Kirk Schuring, R-Jackson Township, said a great partnership worked to ensure Superior Dairy’s project remained local. Ohio Rep. Thomas West, D-Canton, said he is proud to see the company renew its commitment to the community.
In a statement posted to Superior Dairy’s Facebook page, the company thanked employees for their commitment during the expansion, as well as dairy farmers who supply product and customers.
“This is an amazing achievement for our company to experience continued growth over the years. We are proud to be a fourth generation family owned business that is able to support Ohio’s economy for 98 years,” the post reads.
