An Amazing Merced County Success Story

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. was started by local 12 dairy families who milked Jersey cows, the smaller brown cows with higher protein milk. Research in the 1980s determined that high protein Jersey milk had a better cheese yield and made better cheese. The group of dairy farmers would meet at a local coffee shop for breakfast and discuss building a cheese plant. On April 30, 1984 they founded Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.

Located in the town of Hilmar, the company has continually grown. The company puts employee excellence, research and the latest technology in the forefront of their business operation. They are an awarded leader in environmental stewardship always working to reduce their impact on the environment with research and implementation of programs to reduce energy use, green-house gas reduction, water usage and recycling (recycled water accounts for about 60 percent of the water used at the Hilmar facility).

Employee safety and training is also a high priority. Employees are offered very competitive wages and benefits and access to health, wellness and educational opportunities through a tuition reimbursement program

Their purpose is to improve the lives of all those involved with the company. This is achieved through processing nutritious cheeses and whey products, recognizing the value of education and being committed to their community. They offer scholarships to many students and donate to worthwhile causes in their community and beyond. Community philanthropy is a huge part of the company’s mission. With contributions to many youth groups, education, food security programs, health care causes, the arts and many agricultural programs. Hilmar Cheese offers scholarships to local students. One of the requirements in order to be awarded a scholarship is the student needs to a community volunteer, have the required grade point average, and must have financial need. The scholarship program has three different categories so that different students with different backgrounds can also benefit. Each year around 35 scholarships will be granted each with a value of $1,500

Located in California’s fertile Central Valley in the relatively small town on Hilmar, it has grown to be the largest single-site producer of natural American style cheese and whey products in the world. Hilmar Cheese employs over 1000 people and processes more than 1 million gallons of milk per day producing more than 1 million pounds of cheese per day. The milk comes from over 250 dairies with about 20 percent of them Jersey cows and the rest mostly Holstein. Hilmar Cheese produces Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby, Colby Jack, Mozzarella and Hispanic Cheeses used in food service, ingredients, retail and the restaurant and fast food businesses. They also produce a variety of whey protein products and lactose. Whey protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids. It is used world-wide in products such as noodles (China), bottled coffee (Japan), sport drinks, protein bars, yogurt (Mexico) and many other food items. Lactose is a sugar naturally found in milk and used in candies, many baked goods and is refined for high quality infant formulas.

They also have a beautiful well stocked gift shop where you can get a gift for any occasion, including beautiful gift baskets, many cheese products and an assortment of fine wines. Of course, don’t forget the ice cream.

There is also food available including sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups, including “The Famous” cheese chowder. You can enjoy the food indoors or on the patio. Catering is also available for private or corporate groups. Guided or self-guided tours for groups, schools, and families are also available with interactive and hands on exhibits. You can learn how they make cheese and watch employees package the big 640 pound cheese crates. During the summer, an ice cream making (and eating) activity is available at 11 a.m.

All of the dairies supplying milk have to participate in the Hilmar Cheese Company’s Leadership in Environmental and Dairy Stewardship (LEADS) Program. The dairies are also all certified for animal care and verified with a third-party evaluation. The continued good health of the dairy animals supplying milk to Hilmar Cheese is very important and necessary.

Jim Cunningham and Flip Hassett are both retired, but they remain active in Merced County as community advocates, local history buffs and photographers. .