NMTCs Support Tillamook’s Expansion to Middle Illinois

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) acquired a shuttered dairy facility in Decatur, Illinois and will be making significant improvements to bring it back to life. The facility was originally owned and operated by Swift and Company, and then later by Prairie Farms until its closing in 2022.

The Decatur plant will be the first TCAA-owned facility outside of Oregon and its only facility solely dedicated to ice cream, serving the growing Eastern market with both family-size and food-service products.

“Consumer demand for Tillamook Ice Cream has grown exponentially over the past several years,” said Mike Bever, Executive Vice President of Operations, TCCA. “This new facility is an investment in our continued national expansion plans. We are proud to be able to expand our manufacturing footprint even further as another step toward bringing Tillamook to more fans around the country.”

This project will create and retain 59 full-time jobs, paying an average wage 168% above Macon County’s living wage. Importantly, 90% of these positions will be available to area residents and low-income individuals without a four-year degree.

All positions will receive comprehensive benefits, including, medical, prescription, dental, and vision, as well as short-and long-term disability, paid sick leave, paid family planning assistance, and 401k with company match. Additionally, Tillamook offers tuition reimbursement, extensive employee assistance programs, and wellness resources to its staff.

90 construction jobs will be required to complete this project.

This project aligns with the City of Decatur’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, with the city entering into a redevelopment agreement with Tillamook to assist in clearing and preparing adjacent parcels for Tillamook’s future expansion at this location.

As Tillamook establishes operations, it will extend its Community Enrichment Program to the Decatur, IL community by supporting local initiatives aimed at food security, children’s health, and agricultural advocacy through grants, food donations, and volunteering.

“Tillamook’s plans to operate here are very exciting for our community and we are proud that another company has chosen Decatur for their first Midwest facility.” Said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. “This project also advances Neighborhood Revitalization, as the now-empty building along the MLK corridor will again be a bustling part of our economy as soon as next year.”

Founded in 1909 as a farmer-owned cooperative, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) recently achieved the distinction as a Certified B Corporation® (B Corp™) and prides itself on its commitment to bringing to market the most consistent, best tasting, highest quality dairy products made in the most natural way possible. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves real food that makes them feel good every day, Tillamook® produces internationally recognized, award-winning cheese as well as exceptional ice cream, butter, cream cheese spreads, yogurt, and sour cream, made with unwavering values that never sacrifice or compromise quality or profit. TCCA is owned by a group of farming families in Tillamook and Boardman, Oregon and employs more than 900 people throughout the state. The Tillamook County Creamery is one of the most visited attractions in the state of Oregon, attracting more than one million visitors each year. For more information on TCCA and Tillamook, visit Extraordinary Dairy products – Tillamook.