Ninth Avenue Foods announces major dairy facility in Longview
LONGVIEW – A California-based, family-owned dairy company is bringing a significant economic development project to East Texas. Ninth Avenue Foods has announced plans to construct a new, state-of-the-art dairy processing facility in Longview, representing one of the largest capital investments in the city’s recent history .
The new facility will be located in the North Longview Business Park, situated on a 44-acre site at the intersection of Bill Stoudt Parkway and Lou Galosy Way . The project represents an investment of more than $200 million, with some estimates placing the figure as high as $212 million .
Economic Impact and Job Creation
According to the Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO), the new facility is expected to create 150 full-time jobs over the next five years . The plant will serve as the company’s third manufacturing site in the United States, joining existing facilities in City of Industry, California, and Columbus, Indiana .
“This project marks the largest investment the Longview Economic Development Corp. has secured for the city,” LEDCO officials noted following the board’s approval of a performance agreement with the company .
Why Longview?
Several factors influenced Ninth Avenue Foods’ decision to select Longview over other Texas cities. Wayne Mansfield, CEO and president of LEDCO, highlighted the city’s infrastructure capabilities as a key differentiator, particularly its capacity to supply up to 52 million gallons of water per day and its robust wastewater treatment capabilities . The local labor force and strategic location also contributed to the final choice .
Steve Goldenstein, vice president of Ninth Avenue Foods, addressed the Longview City Council during a November 2025 meeting, where he provided council members with samples of the company’s milk products—the very items the new facility will eventually produce. “I hope to be running product, and that product specifically, two years from now in Longview,” Goldenstein told council members .
ncentive Package
To secure the project, local and state entities assembled a comprehensive incentive package. The Longview City Council approved its portion in November 2025, which includes a 75% property tax rebate over 10 years. Gregg County has been requested to provide a 50% property tax rebate over the same period .
LEDCO agreed to provide the 44-acre site in the business park along with a $1 million cash grant to be paid over five years, contingent upon the company meeting its investment and employment goals . Additionally, LEDCO has requested a workforce training grant from the State of Texas. A separate state program will provide an in-state tuition waiver for any Ninth Avenue employees or their family members who relocate to Texas and attend state universities—an incentive that will remain in effect for five years .
Facility Capabilities and Timeline
The Longview facility will be an extended-shelf-life (ESL) processing plant, utilizing cutting-edge technology to produce a variety of dairy and plant-based products . Ninth Avenue Foods specializes in private label and co-packing services, offering innovative solutions including standardized milk, lactose-free milk, flavored milk, protein-fortified options, various creamers, and plant-based milks made with flax, oat, almond, and coconut .
The facility is expected to produce approximately 80 million cartons of milk annually once fully operational .
Construction is slated for completion in 2027, with an anticipated operational date on or about June 1, 2027 . Job applications are not yet being accepted, as construction has not commenced .
Community Reception
Local officials have expressed strong support for the project. Mayor Kristen Ishihara praised LEDCO’s efforts, stating, “LEDCO has done it again. They consistently attract cutting-edge industry to our community, providing meaningful jobs for our residents and vital revenues for the city” .
Mansfield noted that while the incentive package is “fairly aggressive,” it is projected to provide a “very quick return to the community”—approximately two-and-a-half years .
Goldenstein expressed appreciation for the collaboration, saying, “We want to be in Longview. We’re excited to be here. We’ve been welcomed, and we can’t thank you enough” .
Company Background
Ninth Avenue Foods is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company with more than 50 years of experience in the dairy industry . The company has built a reputation for quality and service, operating state-of-the-art ESL manufacturing facilities that combine advanced technology with a focus on food safety .
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*This article was published on March 27, 2026. For updates on job postings and construction progress, residents are encouraged to monitor local news outlets and LEDCO announcements.*