Kerry employees enjoying the festivities at the two-day 100-year anniversary celebration. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — Kerry is delighted to announce the recognition of the 100-year anniversary of its Norwich manufacturing facility, located on Woods Corners. The occasion was marked with a two-day employee celebration held on June 22 and 23, featuring a BBQ picnic, ice cream treats, and an array of team-building activities.

The festivities honored the rich history of the site and highlighted the remarkable achievements of the past century.

The origins of the Kerry Norwich facility can be traced back to the early 1840s when dairy businesses began to flourish in the New York City area. At this time, Thompson Decker laid the foundation for what would eventually become the renowned Sheffield Farms-Slauson-Decker Company.

As demand for dairy products grew, the Sheffield Farms-Slauson-Decker Company expanded its operations and in 1923, acquired the High Ground Dairy Co. in Norwich, New York. The Norwich facility operated as a creamery, receiving milk from local farmers, and transporting milk and cream to New York City via rail. In 1925, Sheffield Farms-Slauson-Decker was acquired by National Dairy Products Corp., later known as Kraft, Inc.

In October 1989, the Norwich facility was acquired by Quest International, a division of Unilever and then ICI Americas. On May 1, 2004, Kerry acquired the food ingredients business of Quest International, including the Norwich facility, and integrated them to form Kerry Bio-Science.

The Norwich Facility has stood as a testament to the food and beverage industry's resilience and adaptability over the past century. Today, it continues to thrive as a vital part of Kerry, serving as a manufacturing center for biopharma and pharma raw material components and applied health and nutrition ingredients.

The site is a critical part in Kerry’s quest to reach over two billion people with sustainable solutions by 2030. Norwich currently employs over 100 colleagues who serve major companies in the pharmaceutical industry across the globe. To join the Kerry Norwich team, apply at Kerry Jobs.

Additionally, The Kerry Norwich facility is very involved in the surrounding community. The site donates to and volunteers with many organizations such as Helping Hands, Norwich-Oxford Little League, Local 4-H groups, Chenango County Blues Fest, Chenango County Colorscape, Chenango Historical Society, Council of the Arts, The NYS Veterans Home, Rogers Conservation Center, Chenango County Fair, and the United Way. The team of employees also participates in the local river cleanup and “adopt a Highway” programs.

"We are extremely proud to celebrate this remarkable milestone in the history of our Kerry Norwich Facility," said Frank Crawford, Kerry Norwich Plant Manager. "This celebration not only acknowledges our rich heritage but also recognizes that our facility is an amazing place to work. We have a remarkable team of employees that take great pride in the work they do, knowing that billions of people worldwide depend on our products. We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and innovation in the years to come."

-Information provided by Kerry