Business & Tech

Will the Giant Cow Stay in Waukesha?

Lifeway Foods, which just purchased the Golden Guernsey dairy on Delafield Street, has plans for the Waukesha icon.

What’s happening to the giant cow?

It’s the one question we’ve heard over and over again after Golden Guernsey suddenly shut down with no warning, leaving more than 100 employees without a job. OpenGate Capital, which owned the dairy, filed for bankruptcy days later.

Lifeway Foods Inc., of Morton Grove, IL., bought the company for $7.4 million on Tuesday. CEO Julie Smolyansky told WISN 12 News the company has been needing more capacity and space than its already-cramped headquarters in Morton Grove. She is hoping to double capacity with the purchase of the Waukesha plant that is planned to reopen in the summer.

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Lifeway Foods, producer of frozen kefir and probiotic cheese products, might bring back the Golden Guernsey brand of milk but anything they produce will be organic, GMO-free.

Patch also asked Smolyansky the question that’s been on the minds of many residents. Will the iconic cow stay in Waukesha?

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Here’s the answer she gave us via email:

I have a strong affinity for that cow. It's staying;) We have great plans for it. If you take a look at our Facebook page, we are really creative with dressing up the kefir bottles. Expect to see the cow expressing itself;)

Related stories:

  • Former Golden Guernsey Employees Given Access to 401K Benefits
  • Schools Switch Milk Providers in Wake of Golden Guernsey Shutdown
  • Golden Guernsey Creditors Support Sale If They Can Recover Claims
  • $5.5M Purchase Offer Placed for Golden Guernsey
  • Golden Guernsey Sale Can Save Jobs of Displaced Workers
  • Leftover Golden Guernsey Milk Donated to Hunger Task Force


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