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Alpenrose Dairy, the historic Oregon dairy company owned by Smith Brothers Farms, has announced it will close its manufacturing facility in Clackamas (OR), marking the end of its production operations in the state.
The facility, which produces butter, sour cream, and ice cream mix, is scheduled to cease operations on 31st March. The closure will impact approximately 35 employees. According to the company, the decision was driven by “worsening butter market economics” and a shift in the competitive landscape that negatively affected the plant’s financial performance.
Dusty Highland, CEO of Alpenrose, commented: “With the purchase of Larsen’s Creamery [in 2022], our plan was to grow our dairy manufacturing offerings and footprint. However, worsening butter market economics and a shift in the competitive landscape has impacted the facility’s financial performance. Ultimately, we couldn’t find a sustainable solution to continue production long-term”.
The closure completes the brand’s exit from local manufacturing in Oregon, following the earlier sale of its historic Portland site for redevelopment. Alpenrose stated that the brand will continue to exist, with fresh milk production and other operations consolidated at the Smith Brothers Farms facility in Kent, Washington.
Source: Alpenrose Dairy (via BusinessWire) / KGW / Dairy Industries International
