That news came Tuesday from Governor Kathy Hochul who said that the plant is being built by Coca-Cola for what will be the largest dairy processing plant in the northeast.
The plant will make products for fairlife, which makes ultra-filtered milk products. The company was founded in 2012, and according to a statement from the governor’s office it has designed a line of products that removes the lactose and much of the sugar and leaves behind more of the protein and calcium.
Fairlife makes products that include protein and meal replacement shakes. Coca-Cola acquired fairlife in 2020.
Hochul issued a statement saying that the decision to put the plant, estimated to involve an investment of about $650 million in Webster on Tebor Road, “marks the next chapter in New York’s agricultural success story.”
The CEO for fairlife, Tim Doelman said that the new production facility will allow his company to significantly increase capacity.
He said there are a lot of positives in choosing Webster and this part of New York state for his company’s expansion.
“There is a really fantastic milk supply in the state of New York, Upstate New York in particular has really pioneered many aspects of the dairy industry with Cornell University and with strong support from the state and extension programs,” said Doelman.
Webster Town Supervisor Tom Flaherty said the new facility is not only an economic boost for his town, but for the region’s reputation as it tries to attract other major employers.
“So when other major companies are looking at industrial sites in the northeast, you don’t think they go and talk to the Coca Cola execs and say, ‘how was your experience for that year, as you were going down through the process with the town of Webster and Monroe County and whatever.’”
Matt Hurlbutt, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise which worked on getting fairlife to come to Webster, said this area has some important resources and geographic advantages.
“Certainly our proximity to major markets, the availability of fresh water is a key selling point,” said Hurlbutt. “We’re within one day’s truck drive of one-third of the U.S. and Canadian population. And the access to the milk is critical.”
The President of the New York Farm Bureau, David Fisher said that the new plant will expand the marketplace for milk produced in the state, which is needed for the long-term success of farms in New York.
Empire State Development is providing $21 million in assistance through tax credits in exchange for job creation commitments.
Monroe County is expected to apply to the state for a $20 million capital grant to help provide adequate power and other related infrastructure costs to service the site.
The plant is expected to be operational by the 4th quarter of 2025.
