Continental Dairy Facilities is a dairy processing plant located in Michigan in partnership with Select Milk Producers, the 5th largest dairy co-op in the United States, made up of more than 92 dairy farmers from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Texas and New Mexico. Our plant produces over 300,000 pounds of dry, non-fat milk per day for use as the base ingredient for a wide variety of consumer products including ice cream, cheese, yogurt, whipped cream, pasta sauce and more.
Awards
- Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award by the U.S. Government
- Exporter of the Year in 2014 by Michigan Department of Agriculture
- Community Revitalization Award by Michigan Manufacturers Association
- Enhanced Dairy Traceability Commitment by Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy
- Top 100 Dairy Processors by Dairy Foods Magazine
- 2ND Most Efficient for Receiving Times in Country by Dairy.com
- Level Three Certification by “Safe Quality Foods” after only one year of operation
- The 2015 international Dairy Foods Association Safety Award
CHRIS CAPPO
Vice President of Operations
Chris is currently serving as the Vice President of Operations for Continental Dairies Core Business, overseeing operations in both Texas and Michigan. These plants are entirely owned subsidiaries of Select Milk Producers Inc. They are responsible for producing a range of dairy products, including nonfat dry milk, condensed milk, cream, butter, and buttermilk powder.
Chris joined Continental in 2024, bringing with him an impressive 35 years of industry experience. His career commenced in 1989 at Swiss Dairy in Riverside, California, where he’s held numerous leadership roles over the years at Dean Foods, Basic American Foods, and Dairy Farmers of America.
Chris has a comprehensive background that encompasses all aspects of operations within both union and nonunion facilities. His extensive knowledge spans various disciplines within the operational sector, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability in different working environments.
Chris is committed to continuous learning and development. He aspires to further enhance his knowledge of the overall supply chain and leadership development, with the goal of adding more value to the company and advancing the efficiency of operations.
Chris’s dedication and extensive experience make him a pivotal asset to the Continental Dairies Core Business, ensuring the continued success and growth of the company.
DAVE STROM
Director of Technical Projects
David is an established leader in the Dairy Technology space with over 20 years working within the industry to foster and direct innovative projects ranging from software systems to physical network and technology platforms for both Office and Production floor environments. David joined the team full-time in the Summer of 2024, but has worked as a technical consultant with Continental Dairies since 2009 and has always strived to keep Continental Dairies as a technological leader in the Dairy Industry. He holds undergraduate degrees in Civil – Structural Engineering from Oklahoma State University, Fire Science from National Fire Academy and an Information Technology Management degree from the University of Phoenix. David also holds Graduate and Postgraduate degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Wyoming, Organizational and Project Management along with and MS in Information Systems Management including an a MBA in Finance from Concordia University. Outside of the office David enjoys underwater videography, boating and most of all spending time with his wife and family.
CHESLIE STEHOUWER
Director of Sales and Marketing
Cheslie joined Continental Dairy Facilities in May 2011, after graduating from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Continental Dairy has provided Cheslie with the opportunity to learn multiple areas within the company, allowing her to gain valuable experience in logistics, marketing, and information technology. Cheslie currently oversees Sales and marketing for Continental Dairy Facilities, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest and Select Butter & Packaging. She lives in Spring Lake and enjoys spending her spare time with her husband and 4 kids.
MILO FORTIER
Division Environmental Health & Safety Manager
Milo is the Division Environmental Health & Safety Manager at Continental Dairy Facilities, LLC and manages EHS related responsibilities for facilities located in Coopersville, MI and Littlefield, Texas.
PAOLA MONCADA
Division FSQA Manager
Paola joined the company in September 2023. She is originally from Honduras and earned her undergraduate degree in Food Science at Zamorano University. During her senior year, she completed an internship at Texas Tech University in the ICFIE laboratory, where she discovered her passion for food safety. Determined to pursue her dream of advanced studies, she earned both a Master’s degree in Food Science and a Ph.D. in One Health Sciences from Texas Tech University. Her graduate research focused on antimicrobial resistance in cattle, and throughout this time, she participated in validation studies and addressed real-industry food safety challenges.
Following her academic journey, she chose to remain in the U.S. to build her career. Since joining Continental Dairy Facilities, she has gained extensive expertise in regulatory compliance and food safety within the dairy industry.
Outside of work, Paola enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling back to Honduras to enjoy its tropical weather and beautiful beaches.
DUSTIN SARBER
Engineering Manager
Dustin Sarber is the Engineering Manager at Continental Dairy Facilities, LLC. He has been with the company since June 2011, prior to the start of production in March 2012. He’s been in the automation field for 14 years in the automotive and office furniture industries. Dustin has attended Grand Rapids Community College focusing on industrial automation as well as successfully completed many classes from Rockwell Automation. He is a lifelong native to the Grand Rapids area, and enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors.
STEVE LAUTENBACH
Controller
Steve Lautenbach is the Controller at Continental Dairy Facilities, LLC. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a master’s degree in accounting. Steve has 10 years of accounting experience in both the Public and Private sectors. Steve is from the Grand Rapids, Michigan area and currently lives there with his wife and 2 daughters.
DAVID LIIKALA
FSQA Manager
David Liikala is the FSQA Manager at Continental Dairy Facilities, LLC. David spent over 11 years in production and production management with Continental Dairy Facilities, LLC before becoming the FSQA Manager. He enjoys outdoor activities such as golf and salmon fishing. He lives locally in Allendale with his wife and daughter.
JEFF GALBRAITH
Director of Operations
A California native with 22 years of dairy experience, Jeff moved to Michigan in 2011 to continue growing his career in Dairy Manufacturing Operations. He is currently Continental Dairy Facilities, Director of Operations. Jeff is responsible for the Michigan Continental Dairy Facilities plant and the Texas Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest plant. Jeff started his career in 2001 working for California Dairies Inc. the second largest milk marketing cooperative in the U.S. His career there spanned 10 years starting out as a milk receiver and ending as the Assistant Plant Manager; overseeing the daily operations of one of the largest drying facilities in the nation. Jeff’s experience ranges in operations with a vast knowledge in Evaporation, Drying, UF/RO and Butter. He is a very motivated individual who enjoys work, golf, fishing, and spending quality time with his family.
BRUCE BORN
Director of Finance
Bruce has worked for Continental Dairy Facilities since December of 2012 and currently serves as the Director of Finance. A CPA, Bruce has over 30 years of experience in accounting and finance. During his career, Bruce has worked in a variety of industries, including a combined 17 years of previous work for companies in the food production industry. Bruce studied at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Ml where he received a Bachelor’s of Economics degree. Bruce enjoys spending time with his family (especially his grandkids), golfing and biking in his spare time.
CHANCE RUPE
Plant Manager
Chance joined Continental Dairy Facilities in December 2011 after serving 9 years of active duty in the United States Coast Guard as an Electrician’s Mate. During his time with U.S.C.G. he received many awards while maintaining a variety of systems from facilities and ships to lighthouses. He currently lives in Ravenna with his children, while still serving in the reserves as a Senior Chief. In his spare time, Chance enjoys spending time with his children and doing anything outdoors.
SHERRI GEREAUX
Human Resource Manager
Sherri Gereaux has been with Continental Dairy Facilities since January 2014 and currently holds the role of Human Resources Manager. She has a Bachelor of Business Degree with concentration in Human Resource Management from Baker College. She is a dedicated Human Resources Manager with several years of combined experience in Human Resources, Business Management, Accounting and Executive Administration. Sherri oversees the company’s recruiting, employee relations, workforce planning, on boarding, employee benefits, and compensation management.
HENRY OWSIAK
Warehouse Manager
Henry Owsiak is the Warehouse Manager at Continental Dairy Facilities, LLC. He has been with the company since January 2013. Continental Dairy has provided Henry with the opportunity to learn multiple areas within the company, allowing him to gain valuable experience in Logistics and Warehousing. He currently lives in Grand Haven with his family. In his spare time, Henry enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.
MYKALA SNYDER
Sales Manager
Mykala Snyder joined Continental Dairy Facilities in June of 2015. She graduated from Davenport University with a bachelors in Business Management. Leveraging her knowledge and expertise to drive growth in her role as a sales manager. She manages sales for all bulk commodities. With a strong passion for sales and marketing, she continues to forge valuable partnerships with our customers. Beyond her professional life, she finds joy in her role as a mother and wife. She lives in Grand Rapids with her husband and three girls. Mykala enjoys spending quality time with her family, golfing, and sunshine.
JOSH HARKEMA
Maintenance Manager
Josh Harkema joined Continental Dairy in February 2012. He started out as a milk receiver and progressed quickly to trainer, eventually learning all operator positions in the company. With a mechanical background, he then moved to the maintenance department where he has advanced to his current role. Josh also serves in the US Army Reserve. Between his civilian and military careers, he has over 20 years experience in leadership, maintenance, project management, root cause analysis, and negotiation. Josh enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his grandkids.
NATHAN WOLF
IT Manager
Nathan joined Continental Dairy Facilities in April of 2023. He has over 20 years of technical experience in Linux system administration, database and knowledge management systems. Outside of his professional life, technology is his passion. Nathan writes articles and technical documents concerning various open-source projects and vintage technologies. He is also a podcaster for the TuxDigital network discussing Linux and open-source technology.