First announced in  October 2010, Leprino Foods’ new cheese factory in Greely, CO is under construction. The $270 million facility is being built on the former Western Sugar site and will occupy 847,000 sq. ft. The new Leprino site is expected to help the regional economy by as much as $1.8 billion, and increase regional dairy herds by 80,000 cows to provide the 8.2 million pounds of milk per day the plant will consume when it’s fully operational in 2013-2014.

Dean Foods is overhauling a vacant structure in Dallas. TX. The 280,000-sq.-ft. building is expected to cost $40 million to construct, and an additional $45 million is slated for equipment. The plant will run two production lines and support additional lines as necessary. Expected to be operational by 2012, it will produce WhiteWave-Alpro foods.

Kwik Trip Inc. is expanding its dairy capabilities in LaCrosse, WI by adding a new 80,000-sq.-ft. ice cream facility, which will allow the company to triple its production. Construction is expected to begin this fall, and the facility should be operational by spring of 2012.

Adrienne’s Gourmet Foods (Santa Barbara, CA) is shutting down its California operation and moving to a new 120,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in Sandusky, OH. The company specializes in making cookies and crackers as private-label products. The facility has a larger footprint, and the design makes it easier to keep certain operations separate.