New Hope for Milk Processing at Old Binghamton Crowley Plant

There now appears to be a possibility that a landmark dairy facility on Binghamton's South Side may resume operations.

Mountain Fresh Dairy briefly processed milk at the former Crowley Foods plant on Conklin Avenue. But plans to hire dozens of people to work at the site were abandoned.

Kevin Schuttak is the acting plant manager and the only person still working at the facility.

Schuttak is expressing optimism about the future of the property. He said the owners of Mountain Fresh have been meeting with "numerous people" and a few have expressed an interest in the operation.

Although it may be some time before any deal is finalized, Schuttak said he believes "something good is going to happen."

Schuttak said during the time the plant was operated by Mountain Fresh, it produced whole, two percent and skim milk. He said the facility also is capable of manufacturing cottage cheese and sour cream.

Schuttak said all of the processing equipment remains at the site and could be put back into service if the owners are able to resume operations.

The owners of Mountain Fresh Dairy did not return calls seeking comment Wednesday afternoon.

Binghamton Mayor Richard David Tuesday indicated local economic development agencies were going through the legal process to try to get back the money that had been loaned to Mountain Fresh.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, David said steps would be taken to take possession of the building if the loans aren't repaid.

The mayor said "we know that there are other entities that would be interested in repurposing the building."

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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