US-based dairy farmer cooperative Agri-Mark has broken ground on the expansion of its cheese manufacturing plant in Franklin County, Chateaugay, New York.

The $16m expansion involves rebuilding the cooperative’s 110,641ft² manufacturing centre and reengineering the facility layout. It also involves buying new machinery and other equipment.

The aim is to create a new advanced cheese production room to enhance the efficiency of the plant.

Agri-Mark purchased the Chateaugay cheese manufacturing facility in 2003, and since then has invested millions of dollars into the site to expand production of its McCadam brand cheese and some types of Cabot cheese products.

The plant is said to be the second oldest cheese company in the US.

Agri-Mark CEO Bill Beaton said: “We are excited to move into this second phase of our modernisation project and to see the plant addition come to fruition.

“Our vision is to revitalise the Chateaugay facility to better support the growing needs of our local farmers, meet the appetites of our customers and consumers, and provide an improved facility for our employees.

“This investment would not be possible without the help of our partners, whom we thank for their support.”

New York State’s Empire State Development is financially supporting the project by providing $6m. It includes $4m in Economic Transformation Program funds.

The $16m expansion plan is part of the firm’s $30m plant modernisation project, which began in 2016.

The modernisation project is expected to help retain more than 100 full-time employees at the facility while supporting another 514 agricultural jobs in the region.

New York Governor Andrew Mark Cuomo said: “Dairy is a major part of New York State’s agricultural industry, and this innovative modernisation project at Agri-Mark will help to further strengthen this critical sector of our economy.

“Agri-Mark’s continued success and expansion will support jobs, spur economic development, and help the North Country thrive.”