Gov. Jack Markell attends grand opening of company’s new headquarters in Newark

NEWARK, Del. –   Independent, family-owned Natural Dairy Products Corporation found the perfect match in Newark for its relocated headquarters and gold-standard quality dairy operation, where it will make and distribute its organic, grass-fed dairy products.

That feeling of synergy was mutual on Friday, as Gov. Jack Markell, Bernice Whaley, deputy director of the Delaware Economic Development Office, and other state and local officials welcomed the company in its move from Avondale, Pa., to Newark. The award-winning dairy business brings 19 jobs to Delaware and intends to grow in the First State.

According to Gov. Markell, Natural Dairy Products founder and President Ned MacArthur and his company embody the spirit of innovation and start-ups that are quickly becoming the hallmark of the First State. In 1994, MacArthur left behind the frustrations of trying to sell organic milk as a farmer and, along with his father, Norman, developed a system that propelled Natural Dairy Products to success.

“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,” Gov. 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 product line, Natural by Nature, includes butter, milk, yogurt, buttermilk, cream and other goods made with milk from 22 certified organic dairy farms in Pennsylvania. Its new 30,000-square-foot dairy facility, tucked away off Markus Court near the intersection of Otts Chapel Road and Elkton Road, has been outfitted to pull these products under one roof.

MacArthur said that the proximity of Newark to its former headquarters in Avondale was a key factor in the company’s choice of Delaware. But it was the assistance of state and local officials that tipped the scale in favor of Newark.

“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 was approved for 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.”

About the Delaware Economic Development Office
The Delaware Economic Development Office is an executive state agency responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the state, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State. Visit dedo.delaware.gov.

About Natural Dairy Products Corporation
Natural Dairy Products Corporation is the producer of Natural By Nature organic, grass-fed, dairy products. The company was founded in 1994 by Ned MacArthur and his father, Norman. Natural Dairy Products recently relocated its headquarters and operations from Avondale, Pa., to Newark, where it will make products such as fluid milk, heavy cream, buttermilk, butter and yogurt in a new 30,000-square-foot facility. Visit www.natural-by-nature.com.

Contacts:
Delaware Economic Development Office:
Peter Bothum
Office: 302-672-6857
Cell: 302-632-6665
peter.bothum@delaware.gov

Natural Dairy Products Corporation:
Dawn Fenstermacher
302-455-1261 x222
ndpc@kennett.net

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