"We have said before that we are looking to expand and we see lots of opportunities in the US for consolidation," Manon Goudreault told FoodNavigator-USA.com.

Saputo is currently among the top five cheese producers in the US, but hopes this business move will help it achieve its goal of improving its position.

As part of this expansion strategy, Saputo acquired Land O'Lakes West Coast industrial cheese business based in California for $216m last February.

As well as strengthening its presence in the cheese sector, Saputo hopes to increase innovation through the new facility.

Alto produces Italian (mozzarella and provolone) and American-style cheeses (Cheddar varieties, Monterey Jack, Muenster, Fontina and Gouda), which Saputo considers an area it is very strong in, and one it hopes to build on.

Source: foodnavigator.com