The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) has announced significant progress in the development of Leprino Foods’ new manufacturing facility, with the $870 million project now moving into its final stages of construction and beginning the hiring process for management positions. This initiative marks the largest single private investment in Lubbock’s history and is one of the most substantial in Texas since the Texas Enterprise Fund’s establishment in 2003.
Mike Durkin, president of Leprino Foods Company, shared his enthusiasm for the project’s progress. “As our new state-of-the-art facility in Lubbock comes to life, we are excited about the integration of people, processes, and technology that will strengthen our position as a global leader in the dairy industry,” said Durkin. The facility is set to become a critical hub for dairy production in Texas, supporting local dairy farmers throughout the South Plains.
Scheduled for completion in spring 2025, the 850,000-square-foot facility is transitioning from construction to operational setup, including the recruitment of key management roles. Full staffing will commence shortly, with the plant expected to create 600 full-time jobs and generate $10.6 billion in economic impact over the next decade. Positions will span a wide range of functions, from production and maintenance to engineering and human resources, offering an average annual salary of over $50,000.
Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope commented on the economic benefits and community impact of the new plant. “Leprino Foods has been an exemplary corporate partner throughout this development. The completion of this project will unlock tremendous opportunities for our community and reinforce the strength of our local economy,” Pope stated.
The facility will be equipped with advanced automation and stringent food safety measures, necessitating about 200 daily truck deliveries once fully operational. It is projected to produce over one million pounds of cheese each day, servicing markets across the United States and internationally.
Leprino Foods is also committed to environmental sustainability. The plant will feature a water recycling program where excess processed water is treated daily to stream quality standards and reintroduced into Canyon Lake Number 6, aligning with the company’s responsible environmental practices.
John Osborne, President and CEO of LEDA, expressed his anticipation for the plant’s completion. “The partnership with Leprino Foods has been grounded in shared values and a mutual commitment to agricultural and economic development. We are proud to see this monumental project nearing completion and look forward to its operational phase,” Osborne noted.
For more information on the project and upcoming job opportunities at Leprino Foods’ Lubbock plant, visit Leprino Foods Lubbock.
Texas Reporter 