CMI and Tetra Pak Launch Expanded Dairy Facility in New York
Cayuga Milk Ingredients (CMI), in partnership with Tetra Pak—an industry leader in food processing and packaging—has officially launched its expanded facility in Auburn, Cayuga County. This milestone marks the completion of the first phase of a significant two-part, multimillion-dollar investment in New York state.
Coinciding with National Dairy Month in June, the ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed local and state officials, along with representatives from major dairy organizations such as the New York Farm Bureau, New York Animal Agriculture Coalition, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance, and Northeast Dairy Producers Association.
CMI stands out in the global food industry, processing approximately 1.5 billion pounds of milk annually from 65,000 acres of rich farmland. The business is collectively owned and operated by 22 farm families managing 32 farms across the Finger Lakes region. Their product offerings include a range of dairy-based ingredients like milk and protein powders, as well as fluid milk. With the addition of a new consumer-grade dairy production facility, CMI is reinforcing its role as a fully integrated, premium contract manufacturer for high-value, innovative dairy items—focused on enhancing nutritional quality while maintaining environmental responsibility.
“Shelf-stable technology is transforming what’s possible in the food and beverage space,” said Mat Rutz, Vice President of Contract Manufacturing at Tetra Pak for the U.S. and Canada. “Collaborating with CMI to broaden their capabilities through our advanced packaging and processing solutions is an exciting step forward. We're committed to sustainable industry growth and proud to be part of this evolution.”
Tetra Pak and CMI are united in their environmental mission, emphasizing sustainability across the production and supply chain. This facility expansion—supported by state-level incentives—further promotes the use of shelf-stable packaging that not only cuts costs and improves efficiency but also reduces food waste and the carbon footprint tied to shipping and storage.
The project has already created over 350 construction-related jobs, with an additional 150 permanent positions expected once the plant becomes fully operational in fall 2025—a major boost to workforce development in New York’s agricultural sector.
“This new consumer products facility represents a bold step forward, where innovation and sustainable agriculture converge to redefine food production,” said Brian Linney, CMI’s CEO. “As a cornerstone of New York’s dairy economy, we’re proud to deepen our local investment with a vertically integrated facility that will deliver both community benefits and broader economic returns for the state.”
Facility Overview
Coinciding with National Dairy Month in June, the ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed local and state officials, along with representatives from major dairy organizations such as the New York Farm Bureau, New York Animal Agriculture Coalition, Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance, and Northeast Dairy Producers Association.
CMI stands out in the global food industry, processing approximately 1.5 billion pounds of milk annually from 65,000 acres of rich farmland. The business is collectively owned and operated by 22 farm families managing 32 farms across the Finger Lakes region. Their product offerings include a range of dairy-based ingredients like milk and protein powders, as well as fluid milk. With the addition of a new consumer-grade dairy production facility, CMI is reinforcing its role as a fully integrated, premium contract manufacturer for high-value, innovative dairy items—focused on enhancing nutritional quality while maintaining environmental responsibility.
“Shelf-stable technology is transforming what’s possible in the food and beverage space,” said Mat Rutz, Vice President of Contract Manufacturing at Tetra Pak for the U.S. and Canada. “Collaborating with CMI to broaden their capabilities through our advanced packaging and processing solutions is an exciting step forward. We're committed to sustainable industry growth and proud to be part of this evolution.”
Tetra Pak and CMI are united in their environmental mission, emphasizing sustainability across the production and supply chain. This facility expansion—supported by state-level incentives—further promotes the use of shelf-stable packaging that not only cuts costs and improves efficiency but also reduces food waste and the carbon footprint tied to shipping and storage.
The project has already created over 350 construction-related jobs, with an additional 150 permanent positions expected once the plant becomes fully operational in fall 2025—a major boost to workforce development in New York’s agricultural sector.
“This new consumer products facility represents a bold step forward, where innovation and sustainable agriculture converge to redefine food production,” said Brian Linney, CMI’s CEO. “As a cornerstone of New York’s dairy economy, we’re proud to deepen our local investment with a vertically integrated facility that will deliver both community benefits and broader economic returns for the state.”
Facility Overview
- The expansion adds 235,000 square feet of advanced production space to CMI’s operations
- The initiative follows a two-phase development plan:
- Phase One: Expansion of the Eagle Drive location, including the integration of UHT/aseptic low-acid packaging lines and state-of-the-art processing systems
- Phase Two: Installation of additional equipment and the extension of the facility’s wastewater treatment capabilities
- The project highlights innovation through upgraded technologies, facility enhancements, and job creation initiatives aimed at developing the local workforce
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