Dairy processing plant in Burley continues construction

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The first phase of a three-phase dairy processing project in Burley is on track to be completed by April 2024, with scores of new hires included.

Suntado, LLC, a company specializing in dairy processing and packing, is steadily progressing in the construction and development of its new facility, remaining on budget and on schedule, project leaders said.

“Everyone from Suntado is extremely proud to be a part of bringing brands to stores near our customers from a facility in Idaho,” said Tory Nichols, the company’s business development leader, in a statement. “It’s a pleasure to have the support of Burley, Dairy West and the broader Idaho community.”

Along with the completion of phase one of the state-of-the-art facility, 60 to 80 employees will be hired. Phase two is slated to be complete in 2025 and phase three in 2027. Each phase will include the hiring of an additional 60-80 employees, the company said.

One key position, the plant manager, was filled with the hiring of Russ Lucas, who comes to the job from Twin Falls.

The final project will be equipped with six processors and 18 fillers, however the plant currently has available processing capacity, according to Suntado.

The completed facility will process class one and two milk products, plus it will serve as a “co-packer” for other brands ranging from sports, children and adult nutrition products to coffee and alternative beverage products.