(From the Delaware Economic Development Office.)
On Friday, Natural Dairy Products Corporation marked the opening of its headquarters and plant in Newark.
Gov. Jack Markell, Bernice Whaley, deputy director of the Delaware Economic Development Office, and other state and local officials were at the event marking the move from Avondale, Pa., to Newark. The dairy business brings 19 jobs to Delaware, with plans for further growth. Founder and President Ned MacArthur, launched the company in 1994, after experiencing frustrations in trying to sell organic milk as a farmer. Along with his father, Norman, MacArthur developed a system to process and sell the dairy products.
“When Ned hit a wall in the farming business, he innovated and started his own company. And over the course of two decades, Ned continued to innovate and find new ways to make Natural Dairy Products more successful,” Markell said. “While small in stature, businesses like Natural Dairy Products form the sturdy foundation of Delaware’s economy. Natural Dairy Products has plans to grow here, and we intend to help the company achieve that goal.” The company’s brand, Natural by Nature, includes butter, milk, yogurt, buttermilk, cream and other goods made with milk from 22 certified organic dairy farms in Pennsylvania.
The new 30,000-square-foot dairy is off Markus Court near the intersection of Otts Chapel Road and Elkton Road.
MacArthur said that the nearness of Newark to its former headquarters in Avondale and the work of the state were key factors the company’s choice.
“The State of Delaware has made this transition seamless. We couldn’t have asked for anything more in terms of logistical and financial assistance,” MacArthur said. “We’re proud to call Newark home, and we’re excited at the prospect of future growth in Delaware.”
Natural Dairy Products received a $140,169 Delaware Strategic Fund performance grant for the creation of 19 jobs, as well as a $134,831 capital expenditure grant.
Whaley said Natural Dairy Products was attractive to state officials not only because of its ongoing growth and success but also because of its commitment to high standards for efficiency, quality and cleanliness. “Natural Dairy Products has secured an impressive amount of certifications for both efficiency and cleanliness for its new facility,” Whaley said. “Based on their investment in this new building, and their plans for the future of the company in Newark, we know that they are dedicated to Delaware.” Company products are available at Harvest Market, Hockessin and Newark Natural Foods.
