US-based Prairie Farms Dairy is planning to expand its Fort Wayne manufacturing facility in Indiana with an investment of $8.7m.

The expansion is expected to allow the firm to produce new specialty products, increase distribution in the US and Central America, and create new jobs.

Estimated to be completed within 18 months, Prairie Farms intends to start building the 22,500ft² extension in April this year. It will include a new processing system, storage vessels, packaging lines, equipment to aid current production, a cooler, and a dry storage warehouse.

Prairie Farms Dairy's Fort Wayne general manager Chuck McQuaig said: "We currently employ 117 people, and through this expansion, we are pleased to offer more local jobs. Along with the expansion comes a bigger distribution footprint for us.

"Through this expansion, we are pleased to offer more local jobs."

"Once complete, we will ship more Prairie Farms products from coast to coast, and to Central America.

"We appreciate Mayor Henry’s willingness to work with us and are thankful for the support of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Fort Wayne’s City Council Members, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Metro Chamber Alliance and Northeast Indiana Works.”

The move follows incentives provided by the state as part of its strategy to expand the existing dairy processors, commence new dairy processing facilities, and implement policies to enhance dairy farming operations.

It has more than 600 farm families, 5,700 employees, 35 manufacturing plants, more than 100 distribution facilities, and annual sales of approximately $3bn.

The dairy cooperative manufactures milk, milk flavours, and dairy products.