Emmi has celebrated the inauguration of its large new cheese dairy in Emmen after almost two years of construction. It will replace the 40-year-old cheese building at the dairy group’s traditional location. According to a press release, the new building is one of the most significant investment projects in the company’s history, costing 50 million Swiss francs. Emmi plans to produce around 10,000 metric tons of cheese there per year.
The new plant is above all intended to support Emmi’s growth plans in the specialty cheese area, such as Lucerne cream cheese. Demand for these products is high in both domestic and foreign markets according to the press release. Emmi anticipates that this trend will continue.
The company has focused heavily on sustainable concepts for the new cheese dairy. In addition to the existing woodchip and photovoltaic systems, more photovoltaic modules have been added to the building’s roof. Furthermore, modern systems mean that up to 70 million liters of water can be saved every year. Emmi states that this means the cheese dairy is practically water-neutral.
The company sees its investment in the new cheese dairy and the associated value as a symbol of recognition of Switzerland as a location and its native region of Lucerne. Member of the Cantonal Government of Lucerne Fabian Peter, who was present at the inauguration, is delighted about this. He comments in the press release: “The canton of Lucerne is proud to be home to such an important and internationally renowned company and that it is continuing to cherish Lucerne as a location.”
