La Derecha Diario With a significant investment, a dairy plant reopens in Córdoba and targets the local market
La Ramada resumes operations in Villa del Rosario and adds products to the retail channel under its own brand
The Santa Fe-based company La Ramada will reactivate a dairy plant in the town of Villa del Rosario, Córdoba, after investing US$12 million. Part of that amount will be allocated to improvements in technology and efficiency, with the goal of resuming production at one of the largest factories in the interior. The plant belonged to La Lácteo and had been closed since 2023 due to lack of activity.
The operation includes the use of the La Lácteo brand for 10 years, which will allow the company to position itself commercially while launching its new label. The project is completed with a long-life milk line that will be developed in Santa Fe, although the focus will be on supplying national consumption. La Ramada's goal is to expand its presence on store shelves and diversify its product portfolio.
Of the US$12 million announced, half will be used for the refurbishment and reopening of the plant in Córdoba. The rest will be applied to the development of new lines and the strengthening of its distribution scheme. Production will focus on liquid milk, packaged cream, various types of cheese, and dulce de leche.
The company leaves exports behind and focuses on Argentine domestic consumption
Until now, La Ramada specialized in powdered milk for industrial use, with a daily volume of 500,000 liters at its Franck plant. Entry into the retail market marks a change in strategy, with an emphasis on producing its own products for store shelves. To achieve this, the company will use milk from its own dairies, which have 3,500 milking cows.
In Córdoba, the former La Lácteo plant will operate again after a period of adjustments that will also require an additional investment of US$2.5 million. Although there are no plans to increase processing volume, there will be improvements in efficiency, automation, and quality. This will allow the company to cover new market segments without relying on third parties.
Meanwhile, the long-life milk line in Santa Fe will be ready to operate between March and April of next year. With this step, the group expects to reach a total processing capacity of 800,000 liters per day. The objective is to position itself as a volume supplier for regional chains and national supermarkets.
The purchase of the Córdoba plant was decided after canceling an agreement with La Lácteo
La Ramada had announced in January a possible partnership with La Lácteo, but ultimately chose to acquire the plant directly. The decision was made after conducting an accounting and legal audit, which led to abandoning the alliance. The result was the complete purchase of the property, with full operational control over production.
The company seeks to take advantage of the new scenario in the sector, marked by the exit of medium-sized competitors and the disappearance of the Precios Cuidados program. This created space on store shelves that the company intends to fill with its own products. Its model is based on integration between rural and industrial production with national distribution.
Currently, La Ramada employs 120 people and plans to add up to 100 new workers as the expansion of production lines progresses. Part of the investment is financed through a BICE loan, while the rest comes from internal funds. The priority is to scale operations without losing control and quality capacity.
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