AMPI Portage rebuild enters final phase
A 3-D rendering of the exterior of the AMPI cheese processing and packaging plant in Portage, Wis., upon project completion.
Cheese processing and packaging plant to return to full production following fire
Portage, Wis. – Final steps in restoring production at the Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) cheese processing and packaging plant in Portage, Wis., are underway following a January 2023 fire. The team is ready to see production restored to pre-fire levels.
“While a portion of the plant resumed operations just six weeks following the fire, we’ve been limited in achieving full capacity until the impacted area could be rebuilt,” said Tyler Banks, AMPI Portage Division Manager. “We’re excited to be in this phase where new construction is happening and our visions are becoming reality.”
Final restoration of the plant includes improvements in plant design to increase production efficiencies, process flow and product quality. Key features include additional space for packaging and production, and upgrades to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and flooring.
“We took the opportunity following the fire to fully examine the plant layout,” said Mike Wolkow, AMPI Sr. Vice President of Operations. “The rebuild plan better utilizes space within the building, focusing on those products in demand and incorporating new capabilities to innovate and grow with our customers.”
A team of 300 employees produce processed American cheese slices and loaves, and package natural cheese as shreds and loaves for distribution in the U.S. and around the world. Customers of AMPI’s Co-op Crafted® cheese include foodservice restaurants, delis and retail outlets.
Fulfillment of customer orders is continuing throughout the rebuild process.
AMPI is headquartered in New Ulm, Minn., and owned by dairy farm families from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. AMPI is the largest farmer-owned cheese cooperative in the U.S. The cooperative’s cheese, butter and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers. The co-op’s Dinner Bell Creamery brand and accompanying Co-op Crafted promise highlights more than 50 years of dairy farm families partnering with skilled dairy craftsmen to make great-tasting, award-winning products.
