Foundation stone laid for new cheese dairy in Emmen

In November, Emmi announced plans to invest CHF 50 million in the construction of a new cheese dairy at its traditional location in Emmen. This will replace the more than 40-year-old cheese dairy building, providing space for highly professional and resource-saving cheese production and creating additional capacities in line with the company’s long-term growth plans.

Immediately after receiving the building permit, work began on site in mid-November 2020. Since then, a new parking lot has been built so that civil engineering works can begin on where the lorry park stood. Ground was broken in January 2021. The excavation and drilling of around 150 piles was completed in May. With the foundation works complete, the salt water tanks relocated and new external tanks installed, the building work can now begin. The laying of the foundation stone marked the ceremonial start of this new project phase today.

Huge importance for Emmi and the region

Costing CHF 50 million, the construction of the new cheese dairy in Emmen is one of the most significant investment projects in Emmi’s history. It is a commitment to Switzerland as a business location in general and to Central Switzerland in particular. “With regional milk from Central Switzerland, we will be able to produce even more high-quality cheese, such as our Lucerne cream cheese, for the whole world,” says Marc Heim, Deputy CEO of Emmi and Head of the Switzerland division.

Generating added value in the region, positioning Central Switzerland as an attractive place to work and providing agriculture with a long-term outlook is also one of the major concerns of the region’s political decision-makers. Damian Müller, member of the Lucerne Council of States from Hitzkirch explains: “I’m confident the Swiss cheese industry, like its forebears in the 16th century, will develop ideas and alternatives so that the success story of Swiss cheese can continue to be written.” Lucerne councillor Fabian Peter adds: “Emmi’s investments are evidence of a great deal of confidence in the regional economy and in the canton of Lucerne as a location. As an important employer, it also serves as a role model in many respects. We are proud to have Emmi in our region.”