DFA reopens Michigan dairy plant

FAIRLAWN, Ohio – Dairy Farmers of America has re-opened the dairy processing plant in Adrian, Mich., previously owned by Diehl Inc.
The plant, which has been idle since October 2005, received its first delivery of milk March 14.
Location, location, location. “Adrian is a great processing location because it is located in an area where milk production is increasing,” said Glenn Wallace, chief operating officer of DFA’s Mideast Area membership and marketing operations in Fairlawn, Ohio.
According to Wallace, DFA plans to process, monthly, more than 16.5 million pounds of milk into condensed milk, cream, and non-fat dry milk powder.
A processing capacity of over 60,000 gallons per day will help to balance the growing supply of milk that is being produced by DFA dairy farms in Michigan.
Process in-house. The plant will allow DFA to process the excess milk that is produced during the spring and summer months.
Wallace said the cooperative and its members should realize significant savings in transportation costs.
Plant employees, including 17 former Diehl employees who have been re-hired, and outside contractors worked to bring the plant back into operation.
The DFA team has worked with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the USDA to elevate the plant to Grade A processing status.