The Grade “A” Dairy approval for processing and filling low acid products includes the manufacturing of 2% milk, skim milk, whole milk, and half & half. TRU can also receive and process raw, pasteurized and standardized milk in tankers and totes. The company plans to begin production this month, CEO James Hurley said.
"We found that there were significant unmet needs in the marketplace for dairy-based aseptic products and the acquisition of a dairy license was the next logical step to fill unmet needs for our clients," Hurley said.
Formed in 2016 and located in Beloit, Wisconsin, TRU is strategically located for dairy production as its near many Midwest dairies within the “Upper Midwest Zone 30” of the Federal Milk Market Order, the company said.
Equipment investment
TRU acquired Wild/ADM’s former 63,000-square-foot aseptic facility and recommissioned all of its major components, including the ability to blend, compound, unitize and aseptically fill both low and high acid products.
In anticipation of dairy production, TRU invested in new equipment, including an SPX Flow APV/Gaulin Aseptic homogenizer that features variable speeds and provides processing options for both dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives.
“Homogenization is critical for stabilization, as well as overall consistency and quality of dairy products,” the company said.
The Beloit plant also features a low and high acid bag-in-box filler from Alfa Laval, which uses an FDA-approved non-steam sterilization process that allows the use of any type of international one-inch fitment, according to the company.
“This provides our clients with both significant cost savings advantages as well as freedom of choice for bag and fitment selection,” TRU said.