Richmond Beverage Solutions LLC, a subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America, located at 1590 NW 11^th Street in Richmond is investing $44.8M to expand its current facility, adding new equipment to modernize its manufacturing process. Valerie Shaffer, President of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County said this is a great project for Richmond and Wayne County. “We’re appreciative of the opportunity to partner with Dairy Farmers of America. The facility has a long history in Richmond, and now a bright future as well. Their expansion further enhances our county’s growing food and beverage manufacturing industry.” As a result of their investment the company will receive an Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) Grant in the amount of $215,000 from the EDC of Wayne County. The company can use the EDIT Grant for building improvements, purchase and installation of new equipment, or employee training.

The project will initially create 50 new full-time jobs with an additional 15 jobs added by 2027 paying an average wage of $24.40 an hour. Richmond Mayor Ron Oler said, “I’m thrilled for Dairy Farmers of America’s continued investment in our community. With their expansion of their facility, it means more opportunities for our residents, a boost to our local economy, and a sign that our city is a great place to do business.”

Based on the company’s plans to create up to 65 jobs by the end of 2025, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in Richmond Beverage Solutions of up to $475,000 in the form of incentive-based tax credits. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim state benefits once Hoosiers are hired. “As Indiana’s economy grows at a tremendous pace, it’s important that we continue to invest in our legacy strengths like agriculture,” said IEDC Chief Strategy Officer Ann Lathrop. “I’m excited to see Wayne County grow and Richmond Beverage Solutions expand. This investment will have a lasting impact on the state and provide quality career opportunities for Hoosiers.”

About Richmond Beverage Solutions

Wayne Dairy began operations in Richmond in 1921. In 1994, the company was purchased by Smith Dairy. In 2022, the facility became part of Dairy Farmers of America, now doing business as Richmond Beverage Solutions. The company produces a variety of extended shelf-life dairy and non-dairy beverages, ice cream, and shake mixes for retail and food service customers. Dairy Farmers of America is a national, farmer-owned dairy cooperative, focusing on quality, innovation and the future of family dairies. While supporting and serving more than 10,000 family farm-owners, Dairy Famers of America manufactures a variety of dairy products, including fluid milk, cheese, butter, dairy ingredients and more that connect our Cooperative’s family farms to family tables with brands such as Borden® Cheese, Plugrà® Premium Butter, Kemps®, Reiter™ Dairy, and TruMoo® among others. For more information, please visit dfamilk.com.