US dairy manufacturer Schreiber Foods has committed more than $267 million to construct a new process-cheese production facility in Carthage, Missouri.
The capital investment will scale up the company's process-cheese manufacturing capacity, supporting rising commercial customer volume across private-label and customer-brand channels. Scheduled to commence operations in 2028, the industrial project will generate approximately 100 manufacturing jobs in the region.
"Our customers' ambitions help shape where we invest and how we grow," said Trevor Farrell, President of Schreiber Foods. "This investment reflects our confidence in the future and our commitment to being ready for what's next. By expanding our network in Carthage, we're strengthening our ability to deliver the quality, food safety, service and reliability our customers count on every day."
Regional Footprint and Operations
The planned production site expands Schreiber Foods' existing footprint in southwest Missouri, where the business has maintained processing and packaging operations since 1950.
The dairy manufacturer currently employs more than 1,300 personnel across its existing Carthage manufacturing complex. The addition of the new plant adds capacity to the local hub while supporting regional supply chains and municipal infrastructure.
"On behalf of the Mayor and City Council, we thank Schreiber Foods for its continued investment in Carthage," said Traci Cox, City Administrator of the City of Carthage.
"Since establishing operations here in 1950, Schreiber has been a valued community partner and major employer. The City of Carthage is grateful that Schreiber has once again chosen our community for expansion, and we look forward to the opportunities this investment will create for our residents and local economy."
Jeff Meredith, Chief Executive Officer of the Carthage Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), added: "Their capital investment and job growth show that Carthage is ready for business and built for growth. The project strengthens our community and will increase the need for housing to support the next chapter of Carthage’s development."
Process Cheese Category Dynamics
The capital outlay represents a targeted capacity commitment to the process-cheese segment, where Schreiber operates as an international private-label co-manufacturer supplying food retailers, commercial foodservice chains, and institutional buyers.
Process cheese continues to serve as an essential functional dairy ingredient across quick-service restaurants, retail deli counters, and prepared meal applications due to its melting characteristics, extended shelf stability, and consistent emulsion performance.
"We continue to see tremendous opportunity in process cheese," said Jason Stephens, Executive Vice President and President, US at Schreiber Foods. "It's a category that Schreiber has helped shape for generations, and one that remains important to our customers. This investment ensures we're ready to grow and evolve alongside our customers for years to come."
Global Dairy Manufacturing
The Carthage project forms part of Schreiber's wider long-term manufacturing network strategy.
Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Schreiber Foods operates dairy processing, packaging, and distribution facilities across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The multi-million-dollar plant in Missouri is designed to increase network flexibility, optimize production throughput, and protect supply resilience for multi-national food customers operating across interconnected domestic and export distribution channels.
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