Chobani $567 Million La Colombe Expansion in Norton Shores Brings 340 Jobs and State Grant to Muskegon County

Norton Shores, Mich. — Chobani is launching a transformative expansion of its La Colombe ready-to-drink latte facility in Norton Shores that will add nearly 340 new jobs and bring $5 million in state funding to Muskegon County.

The $567 million investment will add approximately 200,000 square feet of production space to the existing La Colombe facility, marking one of the largest manufacturing expansions in West Michigan in recent years.

Jobs and Economic Impact

The expansion is expected to create nearly 340 new job opportunities while retaining the 312 jobs currently at the plant. Workers at the Norton Shores facility say they are thrilled about the career opportunities and community growth expected from the project.

Justin Conyers, senior processing manager in Norton Shores who has worked under the La Colombe and Chobani umbrella for a decade, said the expansion will have meaningful local impact.

"When you add more workforce and you add more people, local farmers, local dairies around… that really builds a community," Conyers said. "I would say it shapes, you know, who I am today, my drive. I believe that if I can do it, anybody can do it."

Conyers noted that employees currently at the plant are excited about opportunities coming from the project. He said he wants to provide career advancement paths for the new workers and for others in the community.

Increased Milk Usage Supports Michigan Farmers

The expansion will significantly increase Chobani's milk usage from the facility. Currently, La Colombe uses about 30 million pounds of Michigan milk per year. With the expansion, that figure is expected to jump to approximately 615 million pounds annually over the next few years.

This growth will bring substantial benefits to Michigan dairy farms, supporting local agriculture and rural communities throughout the state.

La Colombe lattes are made in Norton Shores with locally sourced Michigan milk, featuring cleaner ingredients and less sugar than many competitors. The company has been making ready-to-drink lattes in Norton Shores for more than a decade.

State Funding Supports Project

To support the project, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The grant demonstrates Team Michigan's sustained commitment to enhancing all of Michigan's economic sectors from a variety of programmatic and solutions-oriented angles so that more people and businesses can Make It in Michigan.

Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and chair of the MSF Board, said the actions by the Strategic Fund Board demonstrate Team Michigan's sustained commitment to enhancing all of Michigan's economic sectors.

I remain grateful to the Board, our bipartisan partners in the state Legislature, local and regional economic development partners, local units of government, and Chobani for their support on behalf of the talented people of Michigan.

Community Leaders Celebrate the Investment

Trevor Friedeberg, president and CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development, said the expansion speaks volumes about the strength of Muskegon County's workforce and the power of partnerships in the region.

An expansion of this magnitude demonstrates that Muskegon County competes, and wins, on a national stage, Friedeberg said. As La Colombe scales production to meet growing global demand, its decision to invest here speaks volumes about the strength of our workforce, the power of our partnerships, and our shared commitment to long-term growth.

County Commissioner Charles Nash echoed Conyers' sentiment about the expansion's local impact. I'm just excited about that project and excited to see what comes out of this in the future, but I know it's going to be good for Muskegon County, Nash said.

Sara Cooper, who was born and raised in Muskegon and works for the county as their sustainability and community relations administrator, said this expansion will make history. It's so cool that they chose Muskegon County of all places. They could have went to another state. They could have went to another area here, and they chose Muskegon as their home… my home, as their home, Cooper said.

Chobani CEO Commits to West Michigan

Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, praised the Norton Shores community for welcoming the company with open arms from day one. There's something special here, in the hardworking spirit of the people, in the pride of Michigan's farmers who produce high quality, delicious, farm-fresh milk, in the way neighbors show up for one another. That kind of richness is rare and reminds us what makes Michigan so special, Ulukaya said.

For us, growth is about more than numbers, it's about supporting the community, creating opportunity, and building something that lasts. This is just the beginning of a beautiful journey together in West Michigan, and we're committed to being part of it for many years to come.

The company plans to continue building pathways to good jobs through workforce development programs and partnerships with schools and local organizations. Chobani has provided grants supporting food access programs and community organizations in the region.

About Chobani and La Colombe

La Colombe first started in Philadelphia in 1994, making high-quality coffee in cafés across the country. In 2016, the brand launched ready-to-drink lattes, bringing the coffeehouse experience into hands across the country. Made in Norton Shores with locally sourced Michigan milk, La Colombe lattes feature cleaner ingredients and less sugar.

Chobani is a yogurt and plant-based food manufacturer that continues to invest in Michigan communities and local agriculture.

More Investment News

The announcement comes as Michigan continues to attract major business investments. Other notable expansions include:

• Chobani expanding its coffee production operations in Norton Shores
• The Coca-Cola Company expanding production operations in Coopersville
• Various other manufacturing and business developments across Michigan

This expansion represents a significant boost for Muskegon County and demonstrates the strength of Michigan's economic development ecosystem and the continued appeal of West Michigan for major business investments.

Sources

• Chobani Expands Norton Shores, Michigan, Coffee Production Operations - Area Development - https://www.areadevelopment.com/newsItems/4-1-2026/chobani-norton-shores-michigan.shtml
• Norton Shores workers celebrate Chobani's multi-million dollar expansion bringing 340 new local jobs - FOX 17 Online - https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/lakeshore/muskegon/norton-shores-workers-celebrate-chobanis-multi-million-dollar-expansion-bringing-340-new-local-jobs
• Chobani to Begin $567M Expansion of Michigan La Colombe Plant - Food Engineering - https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103601-chobani-to-begin-567m-expansion-of-michigan-la-colombe-plant