PLYMOUTH, Wis. (AP) – 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The plant that makes Borden cheese and private-label products is expected to be closed in January because it has out-of-date technology and infrastructure.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.

“Business decisions that impact the lives of our employees are incredibly difficult,” John Stephens, the company’s chief operating officer of consumer brands, said in a news release.

The closure comes despite a $13.4 million project in 2011 to modernize the plant, which included $1.5 million in public financing aimed at keeping it in operation.Dairy Farmers of America plans to produce Borden cheese products through a third-party manufacturer, and Stephens said the company will help employees through the transition.