Investment Demonstrates Company Dedication to U.S. Manufacturing & Furthers the Company’s Growth Strategy
Key Points
This investment builds on Danone’s recent investment into its facility in Jacksonville, Florida, demonstrating the company’s continued dedication to American manufacturing, operational excellence, and reinforcing an agile supply chain that can adjust to the changing consumer.
WHITE PLAINS, NY AND LOUISVILLE, CO – August 25, 2025 – Danone U.S., a leading American food and beverage company, today announced the expansion of its Minster, Ohio yogurt facility, which produces consumer-loved brands such as Oikos, Activia, Dannon and Danimals. The multi-million-dollar investment includes a ~48,000 square-foot facility expansion, as well as a new production line and upgrades to existing lines, bringing 30 new full-time jobs to the region.
“Our commitment to American manufacturing runs deep, with 90 percent of our ingredients and packaging materials bought here,” said Dan Magliocco, President, Danone North America. “Fulfilling our Mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, means producing nutrient-rich foods with U.S. ingredients in American factories that are benefiting local communities. I want to thank our team at Minster and our many partners in the Ohio community, including Governor DeWine, for their hard work to get to this point, and for the work to come as we expand this great facility.”
“Danone’s Minster plant was one of the corporation’s first operations in North America, demonstrating how Ohio’s rural towns can provide a competitive advantage for the world’s most successful companies,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “We welcome Danone’s new investment in this plant, expanding on a partnership that has strengthened the company, the community, and the farming industry nearby.”
The yogurt category is experiencing explosive growth driven by consumers seeking more nutrient-dense foods that are high in protein and rich in nutrients and probiotic benefits. This investment in the Minster Yogurt facility offers expanded capacity to address that consumer demand.
To meet this increasing demand and output, Danone will purchase 60 percent more milk for the Minster yogurt facility over the next couple years, which will include working with existing producer partners to increase their production and onboarding new local farms into the Danone family. For nearly a decade, Danone has partnered with dozens of farmers across the U.S. to source the ingredients that go into the nutritious products consumers love.
Danone’s enhanced facility will also create approximately 30 new, full-time jobs in Ohio’s Golden Triangle region — a hub of American manufacturing strength — with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, including Danone’s parental bonding leave policy, which enables all employees with one year of tenure to take up to 18 weeks of paid time off after the birth or adoption of a child.
Heiko Gerling, Chief Operations Officer for Danone North America added: “We are excited to continue growing our team and presence in Minster, Ohio. This is the latest example of our 80+ years of investments in American food, its economy and the farming partners that sustain our food systems – and this closely follows our recent investment in Jacksonville, Florida.”
“Danone is a globally recognized food and beverage leader that continues to invest in its Minster yogurt facility, where the company has premier access to Western Ohio’s talent and dairy industry,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “The new manufacturing line will create 30 new jobs and upgrade existing technology at the plant that will improve efficiencies and deliver more product options for its customers.”
“Today’s announcement reflects the kind of public-private partnership that makes Minster and Auglaize County a great place to invest and to live,” said Minster Mayor Craig Oldiges. “For decades, Danone has invested in our community—creating good jobs, supporting local initiatives, and setting a standard for responsible growth. Danone’s continued growth at the Minster plant honors this legacy of innovation and community engagement while charting a path for even more opportunity. The Village of Minster and Auglaize County are grateful for Danone’s confidence in our workforce and infrastructure, and we’re committed to supporting their success for years to come.”
About Danone U.S.
Danone is a pioneer in the U.S. food industry, dedicated to supporting American jobs, agriculture and health. From humble beginnings, Dannon Milk Products, Inc. was founded in the Bronx in 1942, and since then, Danone has grown to employ approximately 5,000 dedicated American workers across 13 U.S. manufacturing facilities in 10 states. Danone’s manufacturing capabilities are made possible through the company’s partnerships with more than 50 U.S. farms across seven states.
Danone U.S. is part of Danone North America, a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. As a Certified B Corporation®, Danone North America is committed to the creation of both economic and social value, while nurturing natural ecosystems through regenerative agriculture. Our strong portfolio of brands includes: Oikos, Activia®, Silk, International Delight, Evian, Light & Fit, Dannon, Too Good & Co, So Delicious Dairy Free and STōK Cold Brew. For more information, please visit danonenorthamerica.com.
