This statement from Shirley Knox, President of Maple Leaf Cheesemakers, Inc.
It’s with a heavy heart that after 24 years of working together with Maple Leaf Cheese Cooperative, dairy market volatility coupled with the coronavirus pandemic, has forced us to make the tough decision to discontinue production of our award-winning cheeses at our Monroe facility.
Unfortunately, as a result, this means we will no longer be able to receive milk from our longstanding cooperative partner Maple Leaf Cheese Cooperative, which is owned by 25 local dairy farm families.
We understand the challenge this presents to these dedicated farm families, and we hope they are successful in finding a new home for their milk. In accordance with our 2020 Cheesemaking Service Agreement, we provided the agreed upon 60-day notice to allow time for transition for both entities.
Our employees and the local community have been essential to our company’s success and a source of pride for us. We make very special products that are challenging to make and require a lot of dedication and hard work from our employees, yet every day we do it successfully. We’re committed to all 35 plant employees and will be offering them a role in our other cheese operations, including Alpine Slicing and Cheese Conversion Co. and Cheese Louise, Inc. also in Monroe. We’re sharing this news with our employees throughout the day as each shift begins.
Over the years, Maple Leaf Cheesemakers, Inc. has been a strong community supporter of local schools, charities and community groups in the Green County area and plans to continue to do so. We love Wisconsin and remain committed to our roots. Along with our cheesemakers and employees, we will continue to supply high-quality cheese to our customers around the nation.
