The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) has played a pivotal role in the establishment and subsequent expansions of Commonwealth Dairy in Brattleboro, Vermont. This collaboration exemplifies BDCC’s mission to foster economic growth through strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and leveraging financial incentives.
Initial Establishment and Infrastructure Support (2010–2011)
In 2010, BDCC assisted Commonwealth Dairy in identifying a suitable location in Brattleboro for its first plant. Recognizing the infrastructure needs of the facility, BDCC coordinated funding, permitting, and the installation of a critical waterline to support the plant’s construction and operations. The plant commenced operations in March 2011, marking a significant addition to the local economy.
First Expansion (2012–2013)
Less than two years after opening, Commonwealth Dairy embarked on its first expansion in November 2012. BDCC facilitated this $12 million project, which added approximately 23,000 square feet to the facility, including new processing lines and warehouse space. This expansion was projected to create up to 34 new jobs, further solidifying the company’s presence in the region.
In December 2016, BDCC supported another significant expansion of Commonwealth Dairy’s operations. This $20 million project was bolstered by more than $2 million in state and local funding and incentives. New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing was instrumental in structuring the capital stack for this expansion.
Throughout these projects, BDCC provided comprehensive support in navigating complex permitting processes, including local permits, Act 250, wastewater, stormwater, wetlands, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits. BDCC has helped steward two different VEGI grants in support of the project.
BDCC also played a key role in workforce development for Commonwealth Dairy. In 2018, the company received $57,207 in VTP grants to upskill 147 employees, helping support their employer-led workforce solutions, emphasizing the importance of investing in employee development to maintain competitiveness.
BDCC’s involvement with Commonwealth Dairy (now owned by Lactalis USA) aligns with its mission to stimulate economic development through strategic infrastructure projects, financial structuring, and workforce enhancement. By leveraging programs like NMTC, VEGI, VTP, and WCEDP, BDCC has facilitated significant job creation and industrial growth in Southeastern Vermont.
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Second Expansion
Location: 34 Technology Drive, Brattleboro, Vermont
Total Investment: $32M (2011 start-up) + $12M (2013 expansion) + $20M (2016 expansion)
Jobs Retained/Created: 110 retained / 84 created
Completion Date: April 2013 (Phase I); Announced December 2016 (Phase II)
BDCC supported this project to retain a major employer in Windham County, drive manufacturing sector growth, and support the regional dairy industry. Commonwealth’s decision to grow in Brattleboro over other sites helped secure high-quality jobs and local milk demand.
BDCC Supported Commonwealth through strategic guidance and partnership coordination.
Financing:
- $1M Windham County Economic Development Program (WCEDP) grant
- $250K Town of Brattleboro grant
- $200K from VT Training Program
- Up to $648K in VT Employment Growth Incentives
- $6.25M in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) from Vermont Rural Ventures
Stakeholder Coordination:
- VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development
- Town of Brattleboro
- U.S. Bancorp CDC, Eastern Bank, MHIC
Workforce/Business Services: - Workforce training support
- Centralized administrative HQ for training and customer engagement
Project Outcomes
- +84 new jobs, totaling nearly 200 employees
- 23,000 sq. ft. of new production space (2013), plus additional HQ facility (2016)
- Reinforced local dairy market via 15M+ gallons/year of local milk
- Enhanced Brattleboro’s role as HQ and innovation hub
- Supported three shifts, six-day-per-week operations
Notable partners include Ehrmann AG (parent company), Vermont Rural Ventures, and the Vermont Economic Progress Council. The headquarters now also serves as a center for business development, brand showcasing, and employee training.
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