Success Stories: Commercial Creamery's New Blending Facility

Built to Last. Still Building What's Next.

Commercial Creamery's New Blending Facility Brings Advanced Manufacturing Technology to a 118-Year-Old Jerome Business

Some of the most compelling economic development success stories aren't about a new company arriving in town. They're about the businesses that have been here for generations, continuing to invest, innovate, and create opportunities for the people who call Jerome home.

Commercial Creamery Company is one of those stories.

Founded in 1908, Commercial Creamery has grown into an internationally recognized manufacturer of cheese powders, specialty dairy ingredients, seasonings, and custom blends. From its Jerome production facility, the fourth-generation family-owned company serves customers throughout the United States and exports products to more than 30 countries. 

On October 30, 2026, employees, contractors, engineering partners, and community members gathered to celebrate the completion of the company's newest blending facility—another milestone in its long history of investment and innovation.

Manufacturing Innovation, Right Here in Jerome

The new blending facility represents much more than additional manufacturing space. It brings together advanced equipment, state-of-the-art computerized control systems, and sophisticated engineering to further enhance Commercial Creamery's production capabilities.

Working with Twin Falls-based CTS Inc. (Campbell Technical Services), the company incorporated a new blending system designed to streamline ingredient handling, improve operational efficiency, and create a more ergonomic working environment for employees.

At the heart of the operation are state-of-the-art computerized systems that control the new blending equipment, bringing advanced technology into the company's manufacturing processes. The equipment also incorporates LiDAR technology as an additional employee safety feature, demonstrating how modern manufacturing innovations can support both productivity and workplace safety.

The thoughtfully engineered system coordinates the movement of ingredients through a sequence of material handling, blending, and packaging operations. From the initial handling of ingredients to the final packaged product, the new configuration emphasizes hygienic product flow, efficient production, and an integrated manufacturing process.

For a company whose ingredients find their way into everything from snack foods and sauces to prepared meals and specialty food products, these investments are important to maintaining competitiveness and supporting future growth.

A Regional Engineering Partnership

Helping bring the project to life was CTS Inc., an engineering and industrial project services firm headquartered in Twin Falls.

Led by President and Chief Technical Officer Stace Campbell, CTS specializes in industrial engineering, process improvements, automation, and complex manufacturing systems.

The new blending operation reflects the collaboration between Commercial Creamery's manufacturing expertise and CTS's specialized engineering capabilities. Together, the teams developed an equipment configuration that builds on the company's existing operations while incorporating modern technology, improved efficiency, and employee-focused design.

The partnership also demonstrates another strength of Southern Idaho's manufacturing economy: established industries have access to specialized technical expertise right here in the region.

A Culture of Continuous Improvement

For Commercial Creamery, the latest project is part of a much longer pattern of reinvestment.

Over the years, the company has continued upgrading its production equipment, electrical systems, and manufacturing processes. Earlier investments in automation and energy efficiency have reduced energy consumption while improving the way the plant operates.

In a 2024 feature published by Idaho Power, Commercial Creamery owner William Gilmartin described the company's philosophy:

"We strive to constantly analyze our systems and invest in automation that results in less consumption and less waste."

That commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the new blending facility.

Rather than standing still, Commercial Creamery continues to evaluate how new technology and modern engineering can make its operations more efficient, adaptable, and competitive.

And company representatives made it clear during the celebration that the improvements are not expected to end here. Continued modernization and investment remain part of the company's vision for the future.

Investing in People, Not Just Equipment

While the new facility showcases impressive technology, one of the most meaningful themes of the celebration was the people behind it. 

Speakers recognized the many familiar faces who have been part of Commercial Creamery's operations for years, emphasizing the value of experienced employees and the importance of creating opportunities for continued growth. 

The new blending operation reflects that commitment in tangible ways. Ergonomic equipment design helps make work more manageable, while integrated LiDAR safety technology and advanced computerized systems bring additional capabilities into the hands of employees.

These improvements represent more than investments in machinery. They are investments in the working environment, the skills of the workforce, and the long-term sustainability of manufacturing careers in Jerome.

It's a reminder that even in an increasingly automated manufacturing world, people remain essential to a company's success.

What This Means for Jerome

Commercial Creamery's continued investment illustrates an essential part of economic development: helping existing businesses remain strong, competitive, and positioned for future growth.

The company's Jerome operation connects several of Southern Idaho's greatest economic strengths—agricultural production, sophisticated food manufacturing, a skilled workforce, specialized engineering expertise, and access to national and international markets.

Its newest facility demonstrates how a long-established company can embrace advanced manufacturing technology while remaining committed to the community and workforce that have supported its success for generations.

For Jerome 20/20, this is business retention and expansion in action. It is a reminder that economic vitality isn't measured only by the businesses we attract, but also by the success of the businesses that have already chosen to build their futures here.

After 118 years, Commercial Creamery isn't standing still. It's continuing to invest in its people, its technology, and its future in Jerome.

And that's a success story worth celebrating.