PLYMOUTH: Dairy Farmers of America has announced plans to close a cheese plant in Plymouth, eliminating 300 jobs.

The plant that makes Borden cheese and private-label products is expected to be closed in January because it has out-of-date technology and infrastructure. It’s been operating since 1954.

The closure comes despite a $13.4 million project in 2011 to modernise the plant, which included $1.5 million in public financing aimed at keeping it in operation.

The public financing included forgivable loans from the city of Plymouth, Sheboygan County Economic Development Corp and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Local officials said they were surprised by the announcement.