As Byrne’s milestone 90th anniversary approaches, we’re looking back at the immense growth we’ve achieved over recent years, especially at our Dewitt facility (which happens to be the 2022 Dairy Plant of the Year).
Byrne opened the Dewitt facility—which produces extended shelf life and shelf stable cream and milk products— in 2004 and has expanded about every four years since. The plant now spans approximately 200,000 square feet, not including the newly opened wastewater treatment facility, and employs 210 people.
When the plant opened, it spanned 40,000 sq. ft. and was one of very few independently owned dairies to construct an Ultra High Temperature (UHT) facility to accommodate extended shelf-life production. Just a few years later, in 2009, the company made a $28 million investment to expand production. The investment included the commissioning of a new Sidel Predis PET single-serve line for extended shelf-life milk and cream. In 2018, the plant expanded again in two phases to add a total of 42,000 sq. ft. Then, in 2021, the facility expanded again by an additional 22,000 sq. ft. to accommodate the brand’s entry into aseptic filling and packaging.
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- Cooler expansion
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- Palletizer installation
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- Silo installation during aseptic expansion
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- Aseptic expansion
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- Aseptic expansion
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- Exterior photo of aseptic expansion
What does aseptic mean? Aseptic is an industry term that simply refers to a product’s shelf life, or the length of time that it is consumable. You may also see these products referred to as “shelf stable.” Aseptic products are produced in a sterile environment at ultra-high temperatures and is then sealed in such a way that the product can be stored at ambient (room) temperature. You may find our aseptic Half & Half in the cooler at your local grocer—but the product can be stored unopened in the fridge or at room temperature for up to six months before consuming. We’ll talk more about our aseptic production capabilities—and share a video tour of our aseptic room—in a future blog post.
Fueled by Team Byrne
Byrne’s consistent growth would not be possible without our employees. Every member of the Byrne team plays an important role. Whether in sales, marketing, or distribution, every person here has an impact on the lives of our customers.
As a leader among dairy manufacturers, Byrne is looking to the future—we are currently recruiting for several open career positions, including maintenance, drivers, engineering, and more. So, why Byrne?
- Competitive starting salary
- Medical, including prescription benefits, as well as vision and dental
- 401k with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Education Assistance Program
- Semi-annual and years of service bonus
- Company-paid life insurance and supplemental insurance plans
There are jobs—and there are rewarding careers. We invite you to apply today and learn the difference.