Factory Expansion

Across four generations and for over sixty years, Renard’s Cheese has been a beloved institution in Door County. What started as a small, family-owned cheese plant has blossomed into a thriving operation renowned for our commitment to quality, artisanal craftsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to honoring the region’s dairy heritage. As the Renard family navigates the ever-evolving landscape of the cheese industry, we have strategically positioned our business for remarkable expansion, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a visionary approach to growth. 

As a fixture in the Door County community, our retail store and hospitality offerings serve as a hub for engaging with customers. Under the leadership of Chris and Ann Renard, the company expanded its retail presence in 2012, opening a 10,000-square-foot store, ice cream shop, and Melt Bistro in Sturgeon Bay, which has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors. 

Laying The Foundation For Expansion: Our Multiphase Construction Project

Recognizing the urgency to scale up our operations, Renard’s Cheese has embarked on a multi-phase construction project that will transform our manufacturing capabilities. The first phase of this ambitious plan involved remodeling the existing warehouse, where we store three million pounds of cheese each year for distribution across the country. By upgrading the facility and installing state-of-the-art equipment, Renard’s is laying the groundwork for the third phase of the expansion. 

Phase two included extending the current retail parking lot to accommodate over 100 parking spaces and providing a safer entry point for all visitors, such as the traffic coming off the highway to Sturgeon Bay and from the Southern Door School.

Investing In Sustainability And Efficiency

Alongside the physical expansion of our facilities, Renard’s Cheese has also made significant investments in improving our environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. We completed the installation of a new water storage tank, which allows us to store up to six months’ worth of wastewater that is generated during the cheesemaking process. This enables Renard’s to apply the water to nearby farmlands when the conditions are optimal, reducing the need for daily hauling and ensuring a more sustainable water management approach. 

The Third Phase: A Transformative 50,000 square-foot facility

The centerpiece of Renard’s expansion strategy is the construction of a brand-new 50,000-square-foot production facility along Highway S in Algoma.

Streamlining The Cheese Curd Operation: Enhancing Efficiency And Capacity

One of the standout products in Renard’s portfolio is our cheese curds, which have become a beloved staple in the local community and a popular attraction for visitors. Currently, we produce 1.5 million pounds of squeaky and breaded cheese curds annually, with demand often outpacing our production capacity. 

Embracing Tradition and Innovation: Our Approach to Cheesemaking   

At the heart of Renard’s Cheese lies a steadfast commitment to traditional cheesemaking methods, which have been passed down through generations of the Renard family. This dedication to time-honored techniques is evident in our company’s approach to aging and flavoring our cheeses, a process that requires patience, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the science behind cheese maturation. 

While Renard’s embraces tradition, we also recognize the importance of innovation in the constantly evolving cheese industry. The addition of a new trial vat in the existing plant has allowed our team to experiment with new recipes and flavor profiles, such as the development of our acclaimed New World Cheddar, which required extensive testing and refinement to achieve the desired taste and texture. 

Expanding The Cheese Aging and Storage Capacity

As Renard’s Cheese continues to grow, we have recognized the need to expand our aging and storage facilities to accommodate our expanding product line and increased production volumes. The new cheese plant will feature a dedicated aging room equipped with the necessary infrastructure to properly age our artisanal cheeses, ensuring that each wheel and block reaches its full flavor potential. 

Additionally, the expanded storage facilities will enable Renard’s to maintain a larger inventory of aged cheeses, allowing us to meet the growing demand for long-matured offerings, such as the 15 Year Aged Sharp Cheddar that has become a signature of Renard’s. 

Fostering A Culture Of Continuous Improvement

At the core of Renard’s Cheese’s success is a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement, both in terms of product quality and operational efficiency. The company’s leadership team, led by Chris and Ann Renard, has instilled a culture of innovation and adaptability, encouraging their dedicated workforce to embrace new technologies, streamline processes, and constantly strive for excellence. 

This mindset has been instrumental in Renard’s ability to navigate the changing landscape of the cheese industry, anticipating and responding to evolving consumer preferences, market trends, and industry regulations. By fostering a collaborative environment that empowers employees to contribute their ideas and expertise, we have positioned ourselves as a forward-thinking industry leader poised for continued growth and success. 

Addressing Demand And Supporting Local Farmers

The driving force behind Renard’s ambitious expansion plans is the overwhelming demand for our products. We currently have a waiting list of over 40 local family farms that are eager to supply their milk to Renard’s, recognizing our commitment to quality and the positive impact on the local agricultural community.

With the increased production capacity, Renard’s will be able to accommodate these farmers, providing them with a reliable outlet for their milk and contributing to the overall economic well-being of the region. 

Positioning For Long-Term Sustainability

With the completion of the multi-phase expansion project, Renard’s Cheese will be poised to solidify its position as a leading player in the regional and national cheese markets. The increased production capacity, enhanced efficiency, and improved working conditions for employees will contribute to our long-term sustainability. As Renard’s continues to grow, we remain committed to our core values of honesty, integrity, sustainability, and community engagement, ensuring that our legacy will endure for generations to come. 

Embracing The Future With Confidence

As Renard’s Cheese embarks on this transformative journey, we are filled with a palpable sense of excitement and optimism. The Renard family, along with our dedicated team of cheesemakers and support staff, are eager to see this vision come to life, knowing that this expansion will benefit the local farming community and the several artisan cheese enthusiasts who have supported us throughout our storied history.