Lifeway Foods to Host Ribbon Cutting for Phase Two of $45 Million Waukesha Expansion, Advancing Cooling System Upgrades to Support Global Kefir Demand

Rhea-AI Summary

Lifeway Foods (Nasdaq: LWAY) will hold a ribbon cutting on November 10, 2025 to launch Phase Two of a $45 million, four-phase Waukesha expansion.

Phase Two installs a state-of-the-art cooling system to support expanded fermentation and bottling. The multi-phase project follows Phase One, which doubled fermentation capacity, and aims to double total output by 2026 to meet rising global kefir demand while leveraging Wisconsin milk supplies.

Positive

• $45 million multi-phase expansion announced
• Phase Two installs a state-of-the-art cooling system for fermentation and bottling
• Phase One doubled fermentation capacity
• Company target: double total output by 2026
• Stronger supply linkage: millions of gallons of Wisconsin-sourced milk monthly

Negative

• None.

WAUKESHA, Wis., Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and cultured probiotic dairy products, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, November 10 at 3 p.m. in front of Gertrude the Cow, the beloved Waukesha landmark at the Lifeway facility. The event marks the launch of Phase Two of Lifeway's four-phase, $45 million expansion project, a long-term investment designed to double overall production capacity, increase operational efficiencies, expand production hours and staffing, and solidify the Midwest's position as the global hub of kefir production. Phase Two focuses on installing a state-of-the-art cooling system to support Lifeway's expanded fermentation and bottling operations. 

Lifeway's Waukesha facility transforms millions of gallons of Wisconsin-sourced milk each month into the company's signature kefir, a tart and tangy cultured dairy beverage packed with protein, calcium and live probiotics. In addition to its flagship drinkable kefir, farmer cheese, ProBugs kids' kefir and probiotic smoothies with collagen, all crafted to promote gut health and overall wellness. Lifeway's strong relationships with Wisconsin dairy producers ensure a steady supply of high-quality milk and make the state an indispensable partner in meeting the nation's growing demand for probiotic-rich foods.

This milestone follows the successful completion of Phase One, which doubled fermentation capacity by expanding the number of fermentation tanks used to culture Lifeway's protein-packed kefir. With each phase, the Waukesha facility moves closer to the company's long-term goal of doubling total output by 2026 to meet surging global demand.

"Lifeway's expansion here in Waukesha is a celebration of growth, innovation, and community," said Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods. "As we continue our four-phase project, we're investing not just in infrastructure, but in the people and partnerships that have fueled our success. This new cooling system will help us operate more efficiently and sustainably, ensuring Lifeway remains the nation's leader in kefir production."

The Waukesha expansion represents Lifeway's largest manufacturing upgrade investment to date. When fully complete, the project will enhance the company's ability to deliver high-quality cultured dairy products worldwide while strengthening Wisconsin's position as a cornerstone of America's dairy and probiotic industries.

"We're excited to congratulate Lifeway Foods on beginning phase two of its Waukesha facility expansion, a significant milestone in a multi-million-dollar project to double production capacity at the Waukesha facility," said Amanda Payne, President and CEO of the Waukesha County Business Alliance. "The Alliance is proud to support Lifeway's investment in Waukesha County, a testament to the strength of our local business community and the incredible talent in our region."

Lifeway looks forward to welcoming Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly, professional stock car racing driver Josh Bilicki, local officials, community members and partners as they join the Lifeway team for the ribbon cutting and celebration at the Waukesha facility.

About Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of America's Growth Leaders by TIME, as Dairy Foods' Processor of the Year 2025 and one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, is America's leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the Company also produces a variety of cheeses and a ProBugs® line for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and France. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at lifewayfoods.com.

Contact:
Derek Miller 
Vice President of Communications, Lifeway Foods
derekm@lifeway.net 

Perceptual Advisors
Dan Tarman
Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lifeway-foods-to-host-ribbon-cutting-for-phase-two-of-45-million-waukesha-expansion-advancing-cooling-system-upgrades-to-support-global-kefir-demand-302609847.html

SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

FAQ

What is Lifeway Foods (LWAY) announcing on November 10, 2025?

Lifeway is hosting a ribbon cutting to launch Phase Two of a $45 million Waukesha expansion.

What does Phase Two of Lifeway's Waukesha expansion include for LWAY shareholders?

Phase Two installs a state-of-the-art cooling system to support expanded fermentation and bottling operations.

How did Phase One affect Lifeway's production capacity at the Waukesha facility?

Phase One doubled fermentation capacity by increasing the number of fermentation tanks.

What is Lifeway's production goal and timeline tied to the Waukesha expansion (LWAY)?

The company aims to double total output by 2026 to meet global kefir demand.

How does the Waukesha expansion affect Lifeway's supply chain for LWAY products?

The facility will process millions of gallons of Wisconsin-sourced milk monthly to support kefir and cultured dairy production.

Who will attend Lifeway's ribbon cutting for the Waukesha expansion?

Attendees include Lifeway leadership, Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly, local officials, community members, and partners.