Two cheese manufacturers in Wisconsin have announced expansion projects. Masters Gallery and Sartori Foods, both of Plymouth, Wis. are planning $8 million and $15 million expansions respectively. Plymouth has been known for years for quality cheese production, earning the city the well-deserved title of “Cheese Capital” of the world.
Masters Gallery’s expansion will eventually add about 40 new jobs. Sartori’s plans don’t specify just how many new jobs will be added to the local economy, but it’s safe to say that there will be significant economic benefit once both expansions are completed. Masters Gallery and Sartori both expect things to be done by the end of 2008.
The art and science of cheese production, packaging and distribution has changed dramatically over the years and Plymouth cheese makers — including Sargento — have been the leaders. While the milk these manufacturers use comes from Wisconsin cows, the cheeses they make wind up on tables, in food products and in restaurants around the world.
Expansions, such as those at Masters Gallery and Sartori, allow companies to keep pace with changing technology and meet the demand of a worldwide marketplace. The rise in demand for specialty cheeses — and the ability of Plymouth cheese makers to meet it — has no doubt led to the expansion decisions.
The future is bright for Wisconsin and cheese making.
Wisconsin made a record 2.5 billion pounds of cheese in 2006, accounting for 26 percent of the national cheese market. And Wisconsin cheese exports are on a record pace through the first half of 2007. At this year’s United States Cheese Championships, Wisconsin manufacturers accounted for 60 percent of the best-in-class awards.