Vermont cheese plant gets grant, will create 55 jobs

SWANTON, Vt. (AP) -- A Swanton cheese plant that closed earlier this year is set to reopen with a new owner thanks to almost $385,000 in assistance from the state of Vermont.

Swan Valley Cheese says it will create 55 jobs over the next several years.

Swan Valley will produce asiago, fontina and other artisanal cheeses, as well as mozzarella.

Last year the previous occupant of the facility, Via Cheese, received $750,000 to help modernize the plant.

State officials say Swan Cheese will reap the benefit of those grants.

Gov. Jim Douglas says that in addition to restarting cheese production and providing jobs, the plant will also provide local dairy farmers a place to sell their milk.

Copyright 2010 The AP.