Cinnaire is proud to announce a $7 million investment in New Markets Tax Credits to support the rehabilitation and expansion of the former Prairie Farms dairy plant into the Tillamook Decatur Creamery. The facility, located at 757 N Morgan St. in Decatur, is being transformed into a modern, 79,000-square-foot creamery to enhance Tillamook County Creamery Association’s (“TCCA”) production efforts in the Eastern United States.
The project, which began construction in June 2024 and is set for completion in February 2025, will revitalize the vacant building and establish a dedicated ice cream manufacturing plant. This expansion marks a significant milestone as TCCA’s first wholly owned and operated manufacturing facility outside of Oregon and its only facility solely dedicated to ice cream production. Tillamook is an Oregon-based dairy co-op and manufacturer known for their award-winning cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream.
The Tillamook Decatur Creamery will create approximately 49 new full-time jobs, contributing to economic growth in the Decatur area. Originally opened in 1918 by Swift and Company, the Decatur plant was later acquired by Prairie Farms in 1977, where it served as an ice cream production facility until its closure in early 2022. TCCA is modernizing the entire facility to meet its high manufacturing quality standards. TCCA is spending approximately $74 million adding automation, robotic palletizing, and improving employee welfare spaces.
“We are thrilled to support TCCA’s expansion into the Eastern U.S. with this significant investment,” said Peter Giles, Senior Vice President, Public Funding at Cinnaire. “This project not only revitalizes an important facility in Decatur but also brings quality job opportunities and economic growth to the region.”
