Coca

WEBSTER, N.Y. — New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday the Coca-Cola company will build a $650 million fairlife® production facility in Monroe County.

fairlife® products are made using an ultra-filtered milk process that removes lactose and sugar, and leaves behind more of the protein and calcium, according to a press release from the governor's office.

In addition to the ultra-filter milk, fairlife® also produces protein shakes and meal replacement shakes.

The 745,000 square-foot facility will be built in the Town of Webster, northeast of Rochester. The new facility is expected to create up to 250 new jobs.

"This decision by fairlife® to expand their operations in Monroe County marks the next chapter in New York's agricultural success story," Governor Hochul said. "New York's dairy industry serves as a crucial economic engine for our state, and this $650 million investment from fairlife® will create jobs and drive economic impact, particularly in the Finger Lakes. We were in tough competition with other states for what will be the largest dairy processing plant in the Northeast and this decision, which comes on the heels of investments from major companies like Micron and Li-Cycle, confirms that New York continues to offer a competitive business environment. Coming from a family of dairy farmers in Ireland, I am proud to have secured this major opportunity to position our state as one of the nation's top dairy producers."

"Consumer demand for fairlife® products is at an all-time high, and a new production facility will allow us to significantly increase capacity and deliver fairlife® to even more households across the country. As we continue to grow in the Northeast, Webster's proximity and access to best-in-class dairy farmers make it an excellent location to support our next phase of growth in the region and beyond. We are sincerely grateful for the collaboration from Governor Hochul and her administration throughout this process," said fairlife® Chief Executive Officer Tim Doelman.

Groundbreaking is expected to happen sometime in the fall. Officials hope to have the plant operational in late 2025.