Construction on a state-of-the-art milk processing facility in Lacombe County continues to take shape, with an opening date slated for next spring.
Staff with Dairy Innovation West (DIW) hosted an update event on Oct. 15, which included a tour of project site, along with a construction update from DIW representatives. The plant is located in the Aspelund Industrial Park west of Blackfalds.
"Today is really a time to bring a lot of local officials together who don't (usually) get to see the progress up close," said Henry Holtman, chair, Dairy Innovation West.
"It's also a celebration. We've worked so closely with Lacombe County and the Town of Blackfalds to get into this place where we are building, so I think it's really important to give those folks an opportunity to see the project's progress.
"For us, it's also about being part of the community."
According to Alberta Milk, the facility will feature technology that will remove water from raw milk. This will create concentrated components required by dairy processors to be used in a variety of dairy products. The facility will also have the capacity to accommodate up to 300 million litres of milk per year.
Representing an investment of $75 million, Holtman said Dairy Innovation West is also at the forefront of adopting innovative practices and technologies aimed at reducing emissions, aligning with the industry's target of achieving net zero by 2050.
Meanwhile, he said things are solid in terms of project budget and timelines.
And seeing it come to fruition is fulfilling in an of itself, said Holtman, noting the sheer scope of the project.
"There are 50-plus trades on site," he said. "For me, it's fascinating to see the ongoing changes, and to watch all of this coordinated activity and the maintenance of timelines."
Construction was launched last December and is managed by Pacific Process Canada Ltd. Ultimately, Central Alberta was chosen because of the abundance of dairy farms, and the lack of local processing capacity, said Holtman.
"Alberta is really key for us because this area is rich in dairy production, and we have customers all across western Canada to serve.
"That's why we are here in Blackfalds. It was a place where, economically, it just made sense," he said, adding the site has convenient access to major highways as well. And because of the facility's remarkable innovation, Holtman said the industry nation-wide is taking note.
"The dairy community is watching us - not only dairy farmers. And other provinces are watching what we are doing here, too, because it's something different," he said. "I think it will be a blueprint of things to come."
