Employee loses part of arm in cheese plant accident in Turlock

A worker at Central Valley Cheese in Turlock had his left arm partially amputated in a machine accident on Thursday evening. according to police.

Fire and police personnel responded to the call at the plant at 115 S. Kilroy Road, at about 7:30, said officer Mayra Lewis, Police Department spokeswoman.

The employee “was repairing the cheese elevator with an auger,” Lewis said in an email. “The employee's left arm got caught between the auger and the pan of the machine. ... His left arm was partially amputated as a result of the accident. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.”

Central Valley Cheese’s human resources manager, Maria Loa, said the company still is “gathering facts” on the accident. “Our main concern is with the employee and his safety and we are still conducting the investigation,” she said Friday.

She referred questions to the company’s attorney, who could not be immediately reached Friday afternoon.

Central Valley Cheese, which was established in 1999, makes feta, mozzarella and other cheeses under various labels.

This story was originally published May 15, 2015 at 6:29 PM with the headline "Employee loses part of arm in cheese plant accident in Turlock."