Dean Foods to close dairy processing plant

Texas-based Dean Foods Company plans to close its Fairmont Products dairy processing plant in Belleville PA in October 2008. About 80 employees will lose their positions in this closing, which the food and beverage company says was triggered by the need to address consumer and customer needs.

The nation's largest processor and distributor of milk and other dairy items, Dean sells liquid dairy products such as International Delight coffee creamers and Land O'Lakes creamers. Its Bellville plant produces mainly cottage cheese and ice cream.