Now Part of Refresco, SunOpta Opens $35M Production Line for Plant-Based Dairy
SunOpta, which was acquired by Refresco earlier this year, has opened a newly expanded $35M production line for its plant-based milk and creamers in Midlothian, boosting its capacity by 10%.
US food producer SunOpta, known for its non-dairy milk and creamer brands Sown, West Dream and West Life, is aiming to meet increased consumer demand with a new production line at its Midlothian, Texas facility.
The company’s fourth such manufacturing line, it represents a $35M investment and is expected to elevate its network capacity by 10%. The expansion will also geographically locate production closer to distribution for the company’s clients.
“At Midlothian, we take pride in turning growth opportunities into results,” said Nick Muzzin, director of the facility. “This expansion reflects the dedication of our team and our ability to deliver high-quality plant-based milks and creamers, tea and broths at scale. We’re excited to support our customers as they grow and to help bring more of these products to consumers every day.”
It comes months after SunOpta was acquired by Dutch beverage giant Refresco in a deal worth $1.1B, boosting the latter’s North American presence and efforts to expand into foodservice and new categories.
New line boosts capacity and supply chain resilience
Having been around since 1973, SunOpta produces plant-based milks and creamers, tea, meat and vegetable broths, and fruit snacks for brands, foodservice providers and private-label ranges.
It has a portfolio of more than 300 plant-based products, selling a range of plant-based milks under the Dream brand, a line of oat creamers through Sown, and high-protein soy milks via West Life.
It opened the 285,000 sq ft plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian in late 2023, where it manufactures milks, creamers, tea and broths. The original plan accommodated a range of pack sizes and configurations, including for foodservice, shelf-stable retail, and e-commerce, and had the potential to expand to 400,000 sq ft.
Its expansion is part of the original vision for production in Texas. The new line increases capacity to optimise production for existing customers and onboard new ones, as well as enable a more resilient supply chain. It will enable SunOpta to produce 32oz Edge-style aseptic packaging and half-gallon formats, in addition to 16oz, 32oz and 330ml packages.
“By investing in our existing footprint and capabilities, we’re strengthening our ability to support customers with the scale, flexibility and reliability they need today and well into the future,” said SunOpta CEO Brian Kocher.
This facility was also designed with sustainability in mind. It features water reuse equipment to save up to 20 million gallons per year, an energy-efficient HVAC system that cuts power consumption by 45%, LED lights and water heaters that lower energy use by 95%, and offices and labs built with at least 40% recyclable materials.
Expansion will help SunOpta match plant-based dairy momentum
SunOpta operates seven manufacturing facilities in six markets, boosting access and efficiency for its consumers. The Midlothian facility alone employs more than 220 people.
“Demand for plant-based milks and creamers, tea and broths in various formats is increasing, and the Midlothian expansion positions us to meet that momentum head-on,” said Kocher.
While dollar and unit sales of milk alternatives were down by 2% and 5%, respectively, in the US last year, SunOpta bucked the decline. The company reported a year-on-year revenue growth of nearly 17% in Q3 2025, with sales reaching $205.4M in the three-month period.
That was its last public earnings report, before it went back into private ownership with the Refresco acquisition. It has also opened a new fruit snack production line in Omak, Washington. Combined with the Midlothian expansion, SunOpta is “positioned to meet expected market demand through the end of 2028”, Kocher said earlier this year.
The development follows Michigan state’s $56.2M grant to Fenton Food and Beverage to build an industrial facility for plant-based milk components, and Danone’s decision to close its 25-year-old plant-based dairy facility in New Jersey, which produced products for its Silk and So Delicious Dairy-Free brands, affecting 114 jobs.
Outside North America, Oatly this year invested $16M into a facility in Sweden to expand capacity by over 33% and meet the accelerating demand for its products.