MMPAThe Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) today open the doors of its largest dairy processing plant in Ovid, Michigan for an open house. The event highlighted the value of the plant to MMPA for over half of the cooperative's existence and continued celebrations of MMPA's 100 year anniversary.

The dairy manufacturing plant-purchased by MMPA in 1957-operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, taking in approximately 5 million pounds of milk each day.

"Our plant in Ovid is a key component of reaching MMPA's strategic goals. The quality products produced here from our members' milk are nationally recognized and positively impact the local economy," Ken Nobis, MMPA president said. "Today's open house provides an opportunity for us to showcase the successes at our plant while celebrating our cooperative that is now a century-old."

MMPA has invested over $96 million in the Ovid facility over the last ten years. The recent investments include a $62-million expansion, which has the capacity to process 60 percent more milk than before the expansion. According to a study completed by the MSU Product Center, the Ovid expansion project could have an economic impact of over $183 million to the state of Michigan. More recent additions include an expanded wastewater treatment system, new whole milk powder packaging system and a new butter churn.

Products made at the Ovid facility include condensed milk, dry milk powder, whole milk powder, buttermilk powder, liquid cream, condensed milk, skim milk, salted and unsalted butter. These products are used by MMPA customers in various end products such as salad dressing, ice cream, yogurt, infant formula, pudding, cheese, baked goods, frozen dinners, candy bars and other confections.

MMPA began recognizing its anniversary at its 100th Annual State Delegate Meeting in March, where it was announced MMPA would donate 100 gallons of milk per day for an entire year to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. MMPA released a history book and video series detailing 100 years of MMPA history and the evolution of the cooperative at the annual meeting. In May, MMPA hosted a Centennial Anniversary Celebration at Michigan State University on the same day and in the same building the cooperative was founded exactly 100 years prior. At the event, MMPA announced a $100,000 donation to be used toward animal agriculture research programs at the university.

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member-owned and controlled milk-marketing cooperative serving over 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Return to Industry Buzz.


8.08.2016