Franklin County Dairy Facility to Reopen This Fall, Offering Hope to Local Economy

MONTPELIER, Vt. NewsWK — The reopening of a Franklin County dairy facility this fall presents a glimmer of optimism for residents of Bennington and the surrounding areas, who have been affected by recent closures in the dairy industry. John Ovitt, a longtime manager, has announced plans to purchase the Franklin Foods plant and transform it into Franklin County Cheese, maintaining some of the previous product lines but on a smaller scale.

Ovitt, who has dedicated 37 years to the facility, stated, “I have worked here for 37 years and been through all the changes and did not want to see it close.” The reopening will initially employ around 20 workers, a decrease from the previous workforce of approximately 100, but state officials view this move as a crucial step in revitalizing the local dairy sector.

Local Impact of Recent Dairy Closures

According to Anson Tebbetts, Vermont’s secretary of agriculture, food and markets, the reopening is indeed a “ray of hope” amid a troubling landscape where multiple dairy plants have closed recently. For Bennington County, which relies on agricultural activities, this news could help stabilize the local economy and offer new job opportunities.

In recent months, several facilities have announced closures, including the St. Albans milk processing plant and HP Hood’s plant in Barre. These shutdowns have raised concerns about the viability of the dairy industry in Vermont, prompting local agencies to seek solutions.

Plans for Future Growth

The new Franklin County Cheese will produce plant-based cream cheese and Baker’s Cheese, with plans to expand into packaging products made elsewhere. Ovitt expressed optimism about the potential for small-to-medium companies to thrive, stating, “We’re trying to resurrect this and build back… I think there’s a place for small-to-medium companies, like I’m going to have.”

As the facility transitions ownership, efforts are underway to support affected workers. The Vermont Department of Labor has been conducting workshops aimed at helping soon-to-be laid-off employees with job searches and resume writing.

Local leaders, including Kevin Kouri, chair of the Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance, stress the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to foster a resilient dairy economy. Local officials are set to meet with dairy producers next week to discuss strategies for long-term support and improvement of the rural economy.

For Bennington residents, this reopening not only provides a potential boost to employment but also signals a community effort to rebuild a vital industry.