Governor Gretchen Whitmer today celebrated the groundbreaking of fairlife's expansion, part of a broader state-supported initiative expected to generate up to 817 good-paying jobs and inject $2 billion into Michigan's economy. Projects involving fairlife, Mitra Chem, and Chobani are receiving support through the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund, aiming to bolster the state's leadership in food systems, materials science, advanced energy, and semiconductor supply chains.
fairlife is expanding its Coopersville facility with two new high-speed production lines for lactose-free milk and protein shakes. This $650 million investment is projected to create approximately 200 full-time jobs, supported by a $3.9 million state assessment abatement, a $3.275 million MDARD grant, and a $17 million Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund grant for regional water system improvements.
Chobani is also expanding its La Colombe coffee manufacturing facility in Norton Shores, Muskegon County, with an investment of up to $567 million. This expansion is expected to create 337 new jobs and retain 312 existing positions. State support includes a $5 million Michigan Business Development Program grant and a $2.3 million MDARD grant for wastewater infrastructure. An additional $28 million Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund grant will modernize Muskegon County's wastewater system. The expansion could significantly increase Chobani's annual raw milk purchases from Michigan dairy farms.
Mitra Chem plans a new plant in Egelston Township, Muskegon County, to produce Foreign Entity of Concern-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode material for batteries. This project represents an investment of over $370 million, including a $100 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and $50 million from the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund. It is anticipated to create up to 150 permanent jobs and 600 construction jobs, with groundbreaking expected in early 2027. Hemlock Semiconductor was also noted as a potential recipient of federal and state funding for a future investment.
Governor Whitmer emphasized the state's appeal, saying, "Companies know that when they invest in Michigan, they succeed. Investments supported by the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund show the world that Michigan is the best place to make stuff, grow stuff, and build a thriving economy." State Representative Will Snyder highlighted the over $1 billion investment in the Muskegon area from La Colombe and fairlife, supporting jobs and dairy farmers.
MDARD Director Tim Boring noted the grants support Michigan's $125.8 billion food and agriculture industry, creating jobs and promoting prosperity. These projects underscore Michigan's economic development strategy, focusing on job creation, community investment, and bringing supply chains home.