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Schneider's Dairy
Quality Products and Service
Since 1935 |
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Schneider's Dairy, Inc., founded in 1935,
is a family-owned and operated dairy that has
experienced significant growth in an industry facing
increasing competition and capital investment, the
consolidation of many family-owned dairies, and
ever-changing consumer preferences. Throughout it's
history, the company has invested significant capital in
product innovations, advanced production equipment and
strategic acquisitions. Rather than allowing itself to
be purchased by a large national concern, Schneider's
has chosen to invest in its own future. |
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Company Founders:
Edward C. and
Catherine W. Schneider |
The company was started by Edward C.
Schneider and Catherine W. Schneider when they
purchased a small dairy in Whitehall, Pennsylvania,
located in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. At that time,
80 gallons of milk were brought to the plant daily
in five-gallons cans, where they were weighed,
tested and dumped into vats for pasteurization.
Edward Schneider left the dairy at two in the
morning to make deliveries and collections, sell
extra products, and solicit new customers. At that
time, home delivery was the mainstay of the
business.
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The Schneider family soon demonstrated
its commitment to expansion and reinvestment in the
company. In 1939, they constructed a new and larger
dairy building on the old site. The company added
employees, drivers, and trucks and made investments in
new production equipment. These commitments to expansion
were to become a company hallmark.
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Schneider’s Dairy
in Whitehall, PA |
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During the 1980s, Schneider's Dairy began
to grow quickly, primarily through acquisition. In 1984,
the company purchased 40 United Dairy Farmers stores in
the region, giving it expanded distribution and sales
capabilities. By 1985, the dairy had 190 employees and
was processing more than 30,000 gallons of milk daily.
In 1986, it sold 60 Open Pantry Food Mart convenience
stores to Uni-Mart, Inc., and reinvested the proceeds in
the dairy operation. |
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In 1994,
Schneider's Dairy purchased Valley Farms Dairy in
Williamsport from Uni-Mart, an investment that more than
doubled the capacity of the business. Given the
consolidation of family-owned dairies at the time, this
was a risky move, but the Schneider family was committed
to expansion. This strategy significantly expanded
distribution and production and helped propel the
company forward. |
| Two years later, Schneider's Dairy
acquired the assets of two smaller Pennsylvania dairies: Mong's Dairy in Seneca and McMahon's Dairy in Altoona.
These acquisitions also added sales volume and
distribution.
While acquisition has clearly been
part of Schneider Dairy's business strategy, product
development and capital investments have also kept the
company ahead of the curve. Customers increasingly
demand healthier and high-quality drinks. Some of the
dairy's innovative products and production initiatives
include those listed below: |
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The introduction
of Super Skim, the first non-fat milk product in the
region with the appearance and taste of 2% milk.
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The installation
of a small-bottle line that produces single-serve
milk, drinks and teas in plastic bottles - a new
concept for dairies in the late - 1990s.
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The
pasteurization of teas and drinks above and beyond
federal requirements.
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Enhanced mixing,
blending and computerized control equipment to
improve product consistency and flavor.
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The development
of comprehensive quality assurance and testing
procedures not only for Schneider's own products,
but also for the ingredients procured from vendors
to ensure product quality and safety.
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The introduction
of a variety of flavored milks into the schools.
Today, Schneider's is one of the largest Pennsylvania
dairy providers to schools.
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In addition to
investments in new products and equipment, attention
to customer service has always received the highest
priority over the years. A "whatever it takes"
attitude has grown a loyal customer base for the
company.
Today,
Schneider's Dairy has over 350 employees and processes
more than 450,000 gallons of milk per week company wide.
The company is ranked among the top 100 dairies in the
United States. Schneider's produces many varieties and
flavors of milk, buttermilk, fruit drinks, 100% juice,
iced tea (both sweetened and diet varieties), fresh
creams, sour cream, sour cream-based chip dips, and ice
cream mix. It also resells many items including butter,
margarine, eggs, yogurt, cheese, cream cheese, cottage
cheese, ice cream mix, bottled water as well as many
other products to serve our customers’ needs. The
company markets these products to schools, healthcare
facilities, supermarkets, convenience stores,
restaurants, and food service companies throughout most
of Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, parts of West Virginia,
southern New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
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Schneider's Dairy - 726 Frank Street - Pittsburgh,
PA 15227 - 412.881.3525
Copyright © 2008 Schneider's Dairy. All Rights
Reserved. |
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