Tolnatej Invests in New Whey Processing Plant

The Hungarian dairy company Tolnatej has announced a new investment project. As part of the EUR 26.1 million development, the company will establish a new, automated whey protein processing plant in Szekszárd. The investment will enable Tolnatej to enter a new product segment and strengthen its market position and export capabilities by producing high value-added products, the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA) reports.

The fully Hungarian-owned company, with a history spanning more than five decades, is a leading player in Hungary’s dairy sector. Operating from its Szekszárd headquarters in south-central Hungary, Tolnatej processes nearly 260 million liters of raw milk annually, sourced exclusively from Hungarian suppliers. It employs close to 500 people while providing stable market opportunities for more than 100 domestic dairy farms.

The recently announced EUR 26.1 million investment is aimed at establishing a world-class whey processing facility at the Szekszárd site, converting a by-product of cheese production into high value-added raw materials. The new technology, not previously used in Hungary, will enable the production of whey protein concentrate and isolate, for which global demand is steadily increasing in the sports nutrition and specialized food markets. 35% of the invesment is covered by the Hungarian state with subsidy.

The project includes the construction of a new production hall and warehouse, as well as the installation of a high-capacity, automated system capable of processing approximately 800,000 liters of sweet whey per day. The development will also expand the company’s export-oriented product portfolio.

The investment will contribute to the integration of the Hungarian dairy industry by enabling the processing of whey from other producers in the future. Implemented in line with circular economy principles, the project reduces environmental impact while improving processing efficiency. With the support of additional funding, the company also plans to install a 3,153 kW solar power plant, which will cover nearly 17 percent of the site’s electricity demand from renewable sources.