Hiland Dairy acquires Borden Dairy, including Texarkana branch | Texarkana Gazette (2024)

TEXARKANA, Texas -- Hiland Dairy Foods acquired fellow dairy company Borden's Texas properties July 1 in a move to expand Hiland's footprint and support economic development in the Lone Star State.

"We were pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Hiland Dairy Foods to acquire or assume the leases of our Texas operation assets," said Pat Boyle, Borden Dairy president. "The assurance from Hiland Dairy to retain the employees and continue business as usual confirmed that this would be a good fit."

The transition from Borden to Hiland started at the Texarkana base in mid-July.

Hiland Vice President Rick Beaman said the company's priority is to ensure that Borden employees feel welcomed and that there is no interruption in service.

"Currently we are producing and delivering both Hiland and Borden Dairy products," Beaman said. "We are evaluating and determining but have not made any decision on new products."

Hiland plans to keep Elsie, the brown and white cow associated with Borden, on products in Texas, citing Elsie's strong brand presence and value to consumers.

"Texarkana and all the areas that Borden and Hiland Dairy serve are important to us," Beaman said. "We have been expanding our teams in most of our markets, and we are always in need of drivers."