Chobani Announces Expansion of Twin Falls, Idaho Facility

Published on Friday, November 10, 2017 by Expansion Solutions Magazine

Photo Caption: Idaho Governor Butch Otter (center/beige jacket) joins Chobani Founder and CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya (right of Governor/glasses), and Chobani, City of Twin Falls and Idaho officials at the groundbreaking of a 70,000 square foot state-of-the-art Innovation and Community Center at Chobani’s yogurt plant in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Company breaks ground on 70,000 square foot new state-of-the-art Innovation and Community Center

Twin Falls, ID — Chobani, America’s #1 Greek yogurt brand and second largest U.S. yogurt manufacturer, announced the expansion of the world’s largest yogurt plant in Twin Falls, Idaho, breaking ground on a 70,000 square foot facility that will serve employees, guests and house Chobani’s Global Research and Development Center.

“I’m grateful for the specialness we share with the people of the Magic Valley,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO, Chobani. “Twin Falls is one of those special places where there’s a strong entrepreneurial mindset, the people are incredible, and a handshake truly means something. It’s a special ecosystem when it comes to food making. Our home in Idaho is not only a celebration of our employees and our community, but is also a space to inspire creativity, drive even more innovation and take us further on our mission to bring better food to more people.”

Inspired by the beautiful nature of Twin Falls, the center will include some 30,000 square feet of glass putting transparency and sunlight at the center of its design. The facility is slated to come online in summer 2018.

“Building the world’s largest yogurt plant, then expanding a few years later, and now expanding again, really indicates the ability of companies to grow with us here in Twin Falls,” said Twin Falls Mayor Shawn Barigar. “We’re excited that Chobani continues to raise its own bar for success which helps push us forward as a community.”

The sustainability-designed center will include Global Research and Development offices, a 2,000-square-foot employee fitness center overlooking the Sawtooth Mountains, and a dedicated visitor entrance to welcome the Twin Falls community and visitors where they can learn more about Chobani’s history in Twin Falls and its commitment to local initiatives.

“It’s been great to watch Chobani become part of the fabric of our Magic Valley communities over the past four years,” said Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter. “This new investment in Twin Falls reflects Chobani’s commitment to Idaho and to the people who have responded so positively to its corporate citizenship. Congratulations to all those who are contributing to Chobani’s growth, just as Chobani is contributing to ours.”

The building design will incorporate windows and skylights to enhance natural lighting, regulate internal temperature and reduce energy consumption by 20%. 30,000 square feet of “smart roofing” will reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption.

About Twin Falls
Twin Falls is the thriving hub of Southern Idaho’s Magic Valley. The community lies on the edge of the spectacular Snake River Canyon with the Snake River running over 500 below. Spanning the mighty Snake is the renowned Perrine Bridge, one of the world’s top spots for year-round BASE jumping. With the Sawtooth Mountains to the north, Nevada to the south and four seasons, Twin Falls residents can experience any outdoor activity from the mild to the wild. Agribusiness – including food production, processing, science, research, and related support services – are the main industry sectors in the region supporting employment opportunities in a wide range of skill levels for its residents. Please visit www.tfid.org