Chobani expands Idaho yogurt plant with energy-efficient 70,000-square-foot facility

Chobani has broken ground on a 70,000-square-foot-facility at its Idaho plant that will house the company’s global research and development team as well as new amenities for its 1,000 employees.

Construction of the new center is expected to finish in the summer of 2018 and cost more than $20m, the Greek yogurt maker said.

Chobani has invested more than $1bn over the past five years across all three plants— Upstate New York, Twin Falls, Idaho, and Australia. 

Chobani said it contributes $339.6m in labor income and $728.1m in GDP annually to Twin Falls, Idaho. The company hired local architects and engineers to design the new facility. 

Chobani CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya, describes the future facility as “a space to inspire creativity, drive even more innovation and take us further on our mission to bring better food to more people."

Building on its commitment to the environment, the facility will utilize energy-efficient features such as LED lighting and 4,000 square feet of “smart glass” windows that enhance natural light while regulate internal temperatures and reducing reliance on heating and air conditioning, the company said.

Chobani added that it is also seeking LEED Silver certification for the new center.

Employees will have access to a new fitness center, “wellness rooms” for new mothers, and 7,000 square feet of gathering space for town halls, shared meals, relaxation, and celebrations.