Chobani’s massive expansion at the former Griffiss Air Force Base is more than a business move — it’s a once‑in‑a‑generation transformation for Rome, Oneida County, and the entire Mohawk Valley. The company is investing $1.2 billion to build a 1.4‑million‑square‑foot dairy innovation and manufacturing hub, marking the largest natural food manufacturing investment in U.S. history.
A New Era at Griffiss: From Air Force Base to Food Innovation Powerhouse
For decades, the Griffiss Air Force Base symbolized national defense and regional identity. Now, that same land is being reimagined as a state‑of‑the‑art food production and R&D center, signaling a bold new chapter for Upstate New York.
Chobani’s facility — located on the 150‑acre Griffiss Triangle Site — will house 28 production lines, advanced R&D labs, and sustainable infrastructure designed to minimize waste and energy use.
At full capacity, the plant will process 12 million pounds of milk per day and produce over 1 billion pounds of dairy products annually, strengthening New York’s position as a national leader in dairy and natural foods.
Jobs, Growth, and a Regional Economic Surge
The expansion is expected to generate more than 1,000 full‑time, well‑paying jobs, spanning production, logistics, research, and technical roles. Local hiring is a priority, and Chobani is partnering with community organizations to ensure workforce training — especially for underserved populations.
Infrastructure upgrades tied to the project — including water and sewer improvements — will benefit the broader Rome community, not just the facility.
Local leaders have called the project a “generational win” and the largest single development in Rome’s modern history.
Strengthening New York’s Dairy Heartland
New York’s dairy farmers stand to gain significantly. Chobani already purchases more milk than any other company in the state, and the new facility will increase its annual milk purchases by an estimated six billion pounds.
This provides stability for farmers navigating volatile markets and industry consolidation — a lifeline for the more than 3,000 dairy farms across the state.
Sustainability at the Core
Chobani’s expansion isn’t just big — it’s intentionally green.
The company is:
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Reusing existing Griffiss infrastructure
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Incorporating energy‑efficient systems
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Designing waste‑reduction processes
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Building with long‑term environmental stewardship in mind
These commitments helped frame the groundbreaking as an Earth Day celebration of sustainable development.
Some residents have raised environmental concerns, but local officials point to Chobani’s strong sustainability track record and ongoing review processes.
Leadership Voices: A Shared Vision for the Mohawk Valley
Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya has emphasized that this project is about people as much as production:
“When you invest in people and communities, you’re not just building a business — you’re building a future.”
Local leaders — from Governor Kathy Hochul to Senator Chuck Schumer to Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente — have echoed that sentiment, calling the expansion a model for public‑private partnership and a catalyst for regional revitalization.
What This Means for the Future of Upstate New York
Chobani’s expansion at Griffiss is more than a facility — it’s a signal flare.
It tells the country that:
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Upstate New York is open for business.
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The Mohawk Valley is ready for large‑scale, high‑tech, sustainable manufacturing.
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Public‑private collaboration can reshape entire regions.
And perhaps most importantly: It shows what happens when a global brand doubles down on its roots.