Biery Cheese plans to invest $19.7 million in equipment purchases and facility upgrades in the Town of Sherry in Wood County, Wisconsin. The company is currently pursuing options for a new building in the area. Once complete, the project is expected to create 31 full-time jobs and retain 111 positions.

Biery, a cheese packaging, processing and distribution company, has been operating in Wisconsin since November 2013, when it purchased the Kickapoo Valley Cheese Corp. in Sherry.

As an incentive, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is providing a $1 million forgivable loan to the Biery Cheese for its facility upgrade and to help solidify its commitment to Wisconsin. If the company retains the 111 existing jobs, creates at least 31 new ones, and spends at least $19.7 million in capital investment by the end of 2018, the loan will be forgiven.

“There is no question that the cheese industry plays a significant role in Wisconsin’s economy, and Biery’s decision to expand its operations in the state will only strengthen the industry,” said Reed Hall, Secretary/CEO of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the state’s lead economic development organization. “WEDC is pleased to assist this family-owned company as it readies its operations for the future.”

“First and foremost, we would like to thank the WEDC for its assistance and commitment to our company. Our dedicated teammates, strategic suppliers and valued customers have all played a role in our decision to participate in the heart of the dairyland,” said Ben Biery, CEO of Biery Cheese, which has been in the family for four generations. “It is a tremendous honor to be able to contribute to the area and invest in our people so that we can prepare for future strategic growth opportunities.”