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Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. entered into an agreement to sell its Turlock milk powder facility to California Dairies, Inc. (CDI). The asset sale agreement allows both parties to begin due diligence in preparation to complete the transaction.

The sale is part of Hilmar Cheese Company’s new Strategic Plan 2021 announced last month. The Plan’s three strategies focus on people, operational excellence and delivering products and solutions that “WOW” customers.

Turlock milk powder facility.

“We’re committed to building on Hilmar Cheese Company’s strong culture and purpose to improve lives while setting a bold vision for the future,” explained David Ahlem, CEO and President of Hilmar Cheese Company. “The Strategic Plan 2021 identifies the strategies we will use over the next three years to create sustainable growth that is repeatable, ethical and responsible to current and future communities.”

Ahlem continued, “Our cheese, whey protein and lactose business remains core to our future. The Turlock milk powder facility sale supports our plan to focus on products to grow the strength of our business and fulfill our vision for the future.”

Completed in 2015, the milk powder facility integrates advanced processing technology to manufacture whole milk powder and skim milk powder for the export market.

CDI will offer positions to Turlock-based Hilmar Cheese Company employees so they can continue their roles in producing high quality milk powder.

The close of the purchase and transfer of plant ownership and associated assets is anticipated to happen May 2019.

Hilmar Cheese Company will continue operations with no impact to the dairy farm families who contract to sell their milk to the company.

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. improves lives. Founded in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company and its division, Hilmar Ingredients, serve customers in more than 50 countries. State-of-the art production facilities in California and Texas convert high-quality milk received from local independent dairy farms into a variety of nutritious cheese and ingredients. The company specializes in the production of cheddar and American-style cheeses utilized by private label and national brand companies worldwide. Its Hilmar Ingredients division manufactures and markets globally a wide range of functional dairy ingredients. Committed to continuous improvement, innovation and sustainability, Hilmar Cheese Company strives to make products that benefit all involved from our customers to our suppliers to our employees and communities. Together, we deliver the promise of dairy. www.hilmarcheese.com