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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

France-Based Bel Group Expands Brookings, South Dakota, Production Operations

03/20/2026
France-based multinational food company Bel Group plans to expand its operations in Brookings, South Dakota. The $200 million project is expected to create approximately 150 jobs.

The investment at the company's existing Babybel cheese production facility will double its annual production capacity from 10,000 to 20,000 tons.

"The United States is a strategic market and a key engine of growth for Bel," said Cécile Béliot, CEO of Bel Group. "Expanding our Brookings facility reflects our commitment to investing locally, strengthening domestic production, and supporting sustained demand for our brands. The decision to double the capacity of this facility positions us for enhanced long-term growth in the U.S."

Bel Group (Groupe Bel) specializes in the production and distribution of branded cheese and dairy-based snack products. The company is known for brands such as The Laughing Cow, Babybel, Kiri, Boursin, and GoGo squeeZ.

"Babybel continues to see strong demand in the U.S., driven by consumers seeking convenient, portion-sized dairy snacks made with a few ingredients and delivering complete protein," noted Peter McGuinness, CEO of Bel North America. "Expanding our Brookings facility allows us to meet that continued demand while investing in American manufacturing, local jobs and the Brookings community."

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