Dairy cooperative buys Shullsburg plant

Davenport IA-based dairy cooperative Swiss Valley Farms Co has purchased the Shullsburg Creamery property and facility. Terms of the transaction were not available.

Consisting of 18 acres in Shullsburg WI, this acquisition includes a dairy foods plant, cold storage warehouse, dry storage facility, and wastewater treatment center.

A Rockford IL-based cooperative, Mid-West Dairymen, acquired the Shullsburg brand and its packaging and marketing operations after the business entered into receivership in December 2005. It did not purchase the cheese plant, though.

Swiss Valley produces and distributes cheese, dairy beverages, and cultured products. It has six cheese plants in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin; a milk bottling plant and distribution center in Dubuque IA; and a cultured products facility in Cedar Rapids IA. Owned by 1,100 farmers, the cooperative has 700 employees.