FORT WAYNE — Good news came today, Friday, March 18, as Walmart announced plans to build a brand-new milk processing plant in the Fort Wayne area.

Inside Indiana Business reports the facility will be 250,000 square feet and is projected to bring some 200 new jobs to the area by the end of 2017.

News information posted at Walmart’s website states the plant, located at 2322 W. Pleasant Center Road, Fort Wayne, will process Great Value and Members Market white and chocolate milk for more than 600 Walmart and Sam’s Clubs, not only in Indiana but also in Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky.

Indiana Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb has issued the statement pertaining to the announcement:

“Indiana’s innovative, 21st-century agricultural industry is one of the centerpieces of our state’s economy and our workforce and investments in our strong business climate continue to make Indiana a magnet for companies looking for new growth opportunities.”

Holcomb continued, “This announcement by Walmart of 200 new jobs at a brand-new milk processing facility, one of the largest of its kind in the nation, is further illustration that the dairy strategy implemented last year by our Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the dairy industry, is demonstrating results, strengthening our entire ag industry and yielding real, positive results for our farmers and families. I could not be more thrilled to welcome Walmart to northeast Indiana and look forward to continuing to support Hoosier farmers.”

The Indiana Dairy Strategy, announced March 16, 2015, is an ISDA initiative designed to boost Indiana’s dairy industry by expanding and improving current processing locations and attracting new ones.