About Us

Through the traditions of a family owned business with a long-term focus on growth and stability, our mission is to be a leading manufacturer and supplier of consistently high quality cheese products.

From Small Beginnings

Our Story begins in 1958, when Swiss immigrant Hans Epprecht began his neighborhood cheese-delivering business. When his customers asked for more, he responded. He expanded his product line, offering more cheese varieties in greater packaging options. He wanted to provide the best packaging solutions for his customers, and therefore, the Great Lakes Cheese tradition was born.

Today, Great Lakes Cheese serves the nation’s retailers and food service operations as a premier manufacturer and packer of natural and process bulk, shredded, and sliced cheeses. Utilizing our eight state-of-the-art plants, products are distributed coast to coast. At Great Lakes Cheese, we are uncompromising about quality. And we are committed to the customers we serve. From our leadership- to our sales force- to our customers on the line, we deliver our best each day. THE BEST award-winning cheeses. THE BEST service. THE BEST solutions for you.

Great Lakes Cheese remains privately owned by the Epprecht family and over 3,000 dedicated employees. The company is run by an experienced management team, alongside the second generation of the Epprecht family.

Our Happy Employees

Amber Bacon, Product Marketing Specialist

"One of the greatest feelings is waking up in the morning and looking forward to work. I love my job, thanks to this amazing family-owned company, as well as my colleagues, who I now consider family." Amber Bacon, Associate Product Manager

"Coming from a larger, publicly-held company, I can attest to the family atmosphere the Great Lakes Cheese environment brings to the table. From the production floor to the front office, everyone is ready to help you accomplish your goals, and does so with a smile. All employees want to see the company succeed, and there's a true sense of teamwork anywhere you go." Trent Lattimore, Packaging Engineer

Erin Shirkey, Director of Sales Operations

"Great Lakes Cheese was not the place I originally expected to find a career, but it's now a place I truly appreciate. With hard work and great mentors, I've been able to advance into new roles as my experience and skills have developed. I've worked here for almost 20 years, but each day, I still continue to learn and be challenged." Erin Shirkey, Director of Sales Operations

Mark Gray, Customer Service Representative

"I’ve been employed with GLC for over 20 years. After hearing from several friends who were working here, especially about the ESOP plan and job security, I decided to exit the construction field for a new career. I’m so glad I made that decision, and the experience of working in both production and the front office has been challenging and rewarding. Being able to participate and contribute to a steadily growing family-oriented business, as an employee-owner, and with the best benefits in the industry, has kept me firmly planted here at GLC." Mark Gray, Customer Service Representative

Nick Ruskiewicz, Sales Operations Coordinator

"I was recently hired by Great Lakes Cheese as a Customer Service Representative. I realized early on what a powerful commitment to teamwork all employees have here. To work in an office atmosphere where the company succeeds by others doing for others to achieve goals regardless of departments is truly eye opening! Great Lakes Cheese is a very large company that feels like a very large family to me. I’m so excited being part of this GLC team and having the opportunity to participate and contribute to such a successful company."Nick Ruskiewicz, Sales Operations Coordinator

"I was recently hired by Great Lakes Cheese as an Account Manager. Throughout my short time here, I have truly felt the family atmosphere that everyone talks about at Great Lakes. This was one of the many reasons why I chose to come work here. Everyone has a great sense of team work and will go out of their way to help you if you need it. It is one of the few companies that truly cares about the success of each employee."Tyler Mazanec, Regional Account Manager

Join Our Team