#United States #Ice Cream #Decatur #Tillamook

New Tillamook Ice Cream Production Facility Officially Opens

Tillamook Ice Cream, renowned for being the fastest-growing family-sized ice cream brand in the United States, has officially commenced production at its brand-new manufacturing facility in Decatur, Illinois. This facility represents a significant milestone for the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), as it is their first plant outside of Oregon. With its opening, TCCA is set to boost its production capacity to a remarkable 15.5 million gallons of ice cream annually at full capacity.

The Decatur facility not only marks an important strategic expansion for TCCA but also demonstrates their commitment to increasing accessibility to Tillamook products across the eastern U.S. David Booth, TCCA’s president and CEO, expressed excitement over this new chapter, emphasizing the strategic advantages that Decatur offers in reaching the growing customer base in the region.

Creating Jobs and Revitalizing the Community

The establishment of the Decatur plant has also sparked local economic development, generating 50 new jobs in the area. As production ramps up, further expansion of the workforce is anticipated, aligning with a broader initiative aimed at revitalizing the neighborhood surrounding the facility. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe praised the co-op for its community involvement and alignment with Decatur's values, indicating that TCCA’s presence will strengthen the local business ecosystem.

Commitment to Community Philanthropy

In line with its values, TCCA is committed to engaging in community enrichment initiatives. This includes recent donations totaling $50,000, aimed at bolstering local projects. This funding encompasses:

• - $20,000 to the Decatur Park District to support youth recreation and community events.
• - $20,000 for the Good Samaritan Inn, facilitating their food security efforts, including widening the scope of their urban food garden.
• - $5,000 to the Northeast Community Fund to assist their food security programs.
• - $5,000 to the Macon County Fair for livestock and open-class shows.

Meeting Rising Demand

As consumer interest in Tillamook products continues to surge, this new site is integral to fulfilling the soaring demand. Since 2021, the company has attracted approximately 4.4 million new consumers of its products, with over one million new buyers added in just 2024. This growth is benefitting from aggressive outreach, with TCCA showcasing their commitment to quality dairy products nationwide.

Executive Vice President Mike Bever elaborated on the improvements in supply chain efficiency the Decatur plant will achieve, stating that the facility's capabilities will enhance their distribution to national and regional outlets.

Conclusion

Tillamook Dairy has always championed quality and community, and this new facility in Decatur embodies that ethos. As TCCA celebrates this pivotal milestone in its expansion efforts, the company looks forward to further engaging with the Decatur community and establishing itself as a significant contributor to the local economy. With the success of its ice cream and cheese products set to continue, Tillamook stands ready to deliver on its promise of deliciousness and community partnership, making a sweet impact on both its consumers and the regions in which it operates.

For more details about Tillamook and its wide array of dairy products, visit www.tillamook.com.