HISTORY

In 1984, twelve Central California dairy families, seeking to maximize the value of their Jersey cows' high solids milk, created the Hilmar Cheese Company. They invested heavily in research, the latest technology and staff excellence – a practice that continues to guide the privately held company today. Committed to continuous improvement and innovation, the company has grown to a leading producer of cheddar cheese and whey products. Hilmar Cheese Company is recognized internationally for its superior quality, consistency and unparalleled, personalized service. Success, for Hilmar Cheese Company, is the outcome of fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between company owners, employees, milk producers, customers and the local community.

1984: Hilmar Cheese logo. A true “American dream” business story, Hilmar Cheese Company started as a concept scribbled on a napkin at a local coffee shop. In 1980, studies showed that the milk from Jersey cows (smaller brown cows) is ideal for making cheese, so twelve Hilmar area Jersey dairy families pooled their resources to fund their dream.

1985: We received milk from 15 local family dairy farms and made 3 vats of cheese. Company owners gave tours of the new facility and packaged the first cheese gift packs.

The owner families focused on strong values, dedicated employees and continuous learning. They continued to invest in and grow the business.

1990: Community tours were given during the open house for the additional cheese processing area.

1994: We built facilities to further process milk into nutritious whey proteins and lactose.

1996: The original facility can now package cheese in 500 lb. barrels, and Hilmar Cheese Company becomes the largest single-site cheese processor in the world.

1998: The Visitor Center construction was completed to welcome and educate guests from around the world.

2000:  A new milk receiving area was built to improve efficiency and accommodate additional milk trucks.

2003: Hilmar Cheese Company continues to produce award-winning cheeses, and launches Hilmar Ingredients to market its whey products in 2004.

2007:  Hilmar Cheese Company founding owners and second- and third-generation shareholders gather at the grand opening of the new processing facility in Dalhart, Texas.

2009: Hilmar Ingredients is named Dairy Exporter of the Year and the company celebrates 25 years in business. We now sell products in more than 40 countries and our employees have built a reputation worldwide for excellence and superior quality.

And, we have much more to do…