Baker Cheese Factory Inc. expanded and modernized its St. Cloud, Wis., headquarters operations, a project expected to create about 40 new jobs.

Baker, a fourth-generation company, invested $7 million in new equipment, including a new wastewater treatment facility that will help the company expand its whey operations. The expansion is projected to be completed by October 2016.

“Baker Cheese is committed to the growth of the Wisconsin dairy industry by investing in our Wisconsin cheese plant operations. High-quality Wisconsin milk and dedicated employees allow our company to supply award-winning string cheese to the growing domestic and international markets,” says Brian Bakery, president. “As an organization, we have remained focused on providing high-quality jobs to our local economy, and are excited about this next project for the continued growth of our company.”

The company manufactures 100% natural string cheese in a variety of flavors and styles under the Baker Cheese label and for several private labels.