HP Hood’s plant in Agawam, Mass. became the first fluid milk and yogurt processing plant to earn ENERGY STAR certification from the EPA. The Agawam plant, located in central Massachusetts, provides milk products that are sold from New England to Pennsylvania. The plant has over 300 employees and began operations in the 1960s. Representatives from HP Hood attended an event in Washington, D.C. this week to recognize their accomplishment.

“This award exemplifies Hood’s dedication to innovation and sustainability,” says Lynne Bohan, vice president of communications and government affairs at HP Hood LLC. “Kudos to Plant Manager David Laden and his entire Agawam team for their hard work and for ensuring Hood remains an industry pacesetter in energy and water use reduction.”

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary EPA-backed certification known widely by consumers as a symbol of energy efficiency. EPA's program provides resources, such as the Dairy Sector Energy Guide and Processing Focus, to help dairy companies improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of their processing facilities, and ultimately earn the ENERGY STAR certification. Some facilities may already qualify for the certification.

Contact Danielle Quist, IDFA senior director of regulatory affairs and counsel, for more information.