Upstate Niagara Cooperative Plans 2025 Rochester Plant Closure, 98 Jobs Lost

Upstate Niagara Cooperative (UNC Dairy) has announced plans to close its manufacturing facility in Rochester, New York, by the end of 2025 due to declining demand for fresh fluid milk and evolving market trends. The closure will affect approximately 98 employees, with the company committed to supporting impacted workers through outplacement assistance and consideration for other internal openings. Production currently handled by the Rochester plant will be shifted to other UNC Dairy facilities to minimize disruption for local customers. Concurrently, UNC Dairy is advancing a $255 million expansion of its West Seneca facility to increase Greek yogurt and cottage cheese production, signaling a strategic shift in its product focus. The company also plans to outsource its truck maintenance program to a third party to reduce costs and improve fleet performance. UNC CEO Kevin Ellis emphasized that the decision, though difficult, is necessary for the cooperative’s long-term sustainability and expressed gratitude for the Rochester community and employees’ contributions.