Southwest Cheese will invest $140 Million to expand in Clovis, New Mexico. The company plans to create more than 50 new high-paying jobs. This expansion will increase Southwest Cheese employee numbers to more than 400 in Clovis.

As part of the expansion, the company will increase its operational capacity by 30 percent. The plant will supply some of the world's leading food companies and meet cheese and whey demand both domestically and internationally. The company exports all their products outside of New Mexico, with at least 25 percent destined for international markets. The company will break ground on their expansion in early 2016. Additionally, Southwest Cheese will be increasing its consumption of locally sourced dairy milk.

"Southwest Cheese is proud to be expanding operations in Clovis as we seek to capture further domestic and international cheese and whey market share," said George Chappell, president of Southwest Cheese. "We are thankful for the support of Governor Martinez, Secretary Barela and local leaders in Clovis.

The joint venture between Southwest Cheese's parent company Glanbia and the dairy cooperatives of the Greater Southwest Agency, including Dairy Farmers of America and Select Milk Producers, currently processes over 220 truckloads of milk per day, making it one of the largest single site manufacturers of premium quality cheese and whey protein in the world.

New Mexico will provide $350,000 for the expansion through the state's closing fund, known as Local Economic Development Act. "For New Mexico to maintain its momentum as a leader in international commerce and trade, we need to continue supporting businesses like Southwest Cheese as they expand to more national and globalmarkets," said Governor Susana Martinez. "Helping more businesses reach more customers around the world helps grow New Mexico's economy by creating more jobs in our communities, particularly in rural areas like Clovis."

"As New Mexico continues to further its position as an international export leader, we look forward to the increase in products shipped from Southwest Cheese around the world," said Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela. "Value-added food production is a focus of growth for the Martinez Administration and the Southwest Cheese expansion is very much welcomed."