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Who We Are

Committed to continuous improvement and innovation, Hilmar Cheese Company and its subsidiary, Hilmar Ingredients, serves customers in more than 40 countries from our two manufacturing facilities - our headquarters location in Hilmar, California, the world’s largest single-site cheese and whey products manufacturing operation, and our new state-of-the-art Dalhart Texas facility  Our production facilities convert an abundance of high-quality milk into a variety of cheese and whey products.  We specialize in the production of cheddar and American cheese utilized by private label and national brand companies. Hilmar Ingredients, a division of Hilmar Cheese Company, manufactures a wide range of whey protein concentrates, whey protein hydrolysates and three grades of edible lactose: Natural, Fine Grind and Extra-Fine. Our Pharmaceutical Lactose division is a global marketer and specializes in Crystalline grades.

Hilmar Cheese Company's original operation is located in California's fertile Central Valley. Committed to continuous improvement and innovation, the Hilmar, California facility has grown to be the largest single-site producer of natural American-style cheese and whey products in the world. Our newest facility, located in the Texas Panhandle in Dalhart, Texas, resides in the center of the United States within a growing dairy region. The steady, fresh milk supply at Hilmar Cheese Company ensures our customers consistent, high quality cheese and whey products all year long.

At A Glance

Hilmar Cheese Company...

• Was founded in 1984 and began production in 1985.
• Annually produces more cheese from one site (Hilmar, CA)  than any other manufacturer in the world.
• Production facility in Hilmar, California and Dalhart, Texas
• Employs more than 900 people.
• Processes more than 12.5 million pounds (5.5 million liters) of milk each day received from more than 280 dairies and 160,000 cows.
• Uses more than 20% Jersey milk in Hilmar, California and more than 60% Jersey milk in Dalhart, Texas
• Produces more than 1.3 million pounds (more than 591 metric tons) of cheese each day.
• Makes Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby, Colby Jack, flavored Jacks, Mozzarella and Hispanic cheeses for use in food service, ingredients, retail and the restaurant/fast food trade.
• Is a consistent Gold medalist at the California State Fair Cheese competition.

Hilmar Ingredients, A Division of Hilmar Cheese...

• Produces more than 400,000 pounds of whey protein and lactose powder per day
• Makes Whey Protein Concentrates (WPC), Whey Protein Hydrolysates (WPH) and Edible Lactose

              * Statistics include Hilmar and Dalhart