Clovis, NM – Today, Governor Susana Martinez was joined by company executives and local officials for a ribbon cutting for the expansion of Southwest Cheese' Clovis manufacturing facility. Southwest Cheese has invested $140 Million to expand their operations in Clovis, New Mexico. The expansion will create up to 50 new manufacturing jobs and is being supported by New Mexico's closing fund, LEDA, as well as the Job Training Incentive Program, JTIP. This expansion will increase Southwest Cheese employee numbers to more than 400 in Clovis and the facility's operational capacity by 30 percent.
"For years, we've worked relentlessly to make New Mexico a great place to do business, now we're seeing the results," said Governor Martinez. "International companies like Southwest Cheese are realizing the benefits of New Mexico's supportive business climate, and their decision to locate in our state helps make it the best place to live, work and raise a family."
New Mexico has provided $350,000 for the expansion through the state's closing fund, known as LEDA. The city of Clovis is the fiscal agent for the LEDA award. LEDA helps recruit new businesses to our state while helping those that are already here grow and thrive. Nearly zeroed out when Governor Martinez took office, she fought to grow this important tool to more than $56 million. The company's expansion has also been assisted by the City of Clovis Economic Development Incentive Programs.
"We're thrilled that Southwest Cheese has chosen to expand in Clovis," said Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Matt Geisel. "We will continue our efforts to create a pro-business climate in our state - and environment that encourages companies to not only choose New Mexico, but to stay and grow here."
"Southwest Cheese is proud to be expanding operations in Clovis as we seek to capture further domestic and international cheese and whey market share," said George Chappell, president of Southwest Cheese. "We are thankful for the support of Governor Martinez, local leaders in Clovis, and the state of New Mexico."
Since 2011, Governor Martinez has bolstered economic development tools, cut taxes 57 times, and rolled back unnecessary regulations and red tape to create a business-friendly environment in New Mexico. Governor Martinez also established the Catalyst Fund, a $40 million partnership with the State Investment Council that focuses on helping homegrown New Mexico technology startups grow and thrive. As a result of these tools, reforms, and investments, New Mexico continues to recruit global and national companies like Facebook, Keter Plastic, Safelite and others, while helping homegrown businesses like Skorpios, UBiQD, Descartes Labs, RiskSense and others grow and thrive as well.
About Southwest Cheese
Southwest Cheese Company LLC is one of the largest and most successful cheese and whey protein manufacturers in the world. Born from a dairy industry joint venture between Glanbia plc and the dairy cooperative partners in the Greater Southwest Agency, Inc., which include Dairy Farmers of America, Select Milk Producers and Zia Milk Producers. Southwest Cheese has grown to become a leading manufacturer of nutritious cheese and whey protein ingredients that help feed the world. The company exports all their products outside of New Mexico, with at least 10 percent destined for international markets. Additionally, Southwest Cheese will be increasing its consumption of locally sourced dairy milk. The location processes 14.1 million pounds of milk per day.