AMPI discontinues production at Arlington plant; cites decline in dairy farms

ARLINGTON, Iowa (KWWL) – KWWL has learned that Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) is discontinuing production at two plants, and one of them is in Arlington.  The closure affects 49 employees at the location.

AMPI is also closing a cheese plant in Rochester, Minnesota, leaving 75 employees without employment there.

A news release from AMPI on Friday says the following:

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) announced today it will discontinue production at its Arlington, Iowa, nonfat dry milk plant and Rochester, Minn., cheese plant. Company leaders said the decision stems from the continued decline in dairy farm numbers and milk production in the region.

Since 2008, Minnesota has lost 40 percent of its dairy farms, while Iowa is down 50 percent in that same time period.

The 49 Arlington and 75 Rochester employees have been informed. AMPI is working with them to provide access to resources, training and opportunities to apply for available jobs at AMPI facilities.

Milk previously processed at AMPI’s Arlington and Rochester locations will now be routed to other plants in the surrounding area, including AMPI’s Blair, Wis., cheese plant.

AMPI will continue to meet customer needs for dependable supplies of high-quality dairy products from its other manufacturing plants.

AMPI leadership is exploring options for the facilities’ future.

This is a developing story.  Stay with KWWL for updates.