Hiland Dairy starts production at expanded Texas plant

Springfield-based Hiland Dairy Foods Co. LLC has started production at its expanded plant in Tyler, Texas.

The expansion added 96,000 square feet to the facility, according to a news release. Purchased by Hiland Dairy in 2017, the facility has served the Tyler region since the 1920s.

“This is an important milestone for our team and our partners,” Hiland Dairy President Rick Beaman said in the release. “Bringing this facility online reflects the work of many people and our continued promise to deliver fresh dairy products to the communities we serve."

The expansion adds new processing, filling, casing, palletizing, storage and laboratory capabilities, as well as new filling lines, additional storage for milk and automated packaging systems, according to the release.

"Initial production runs are now in progress as teams continue final system checks and ramp up operations," officials said in the release. "With increased capacity and production capabilities, Hiland Dairy is positioned to deliver more of its fresh dairy products to retailers and families throughout the region, supporting growing demand and strengthening its distribution network across Texas and surrounding markets."

Salt Lake City, Utah-based Big-D Construction served as general contractor for the project, with Oakland, California-based E.A. Bonelli as the architect, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. At the time, company officials said the investment was more than $100 million.