Fairlife and Chobani Expand West Michigan Dairy Operations With $1 Billion in Investments and State Grants

Two major dairy processing expansions are underway in West Michigan, bringing more than $1 billion in private investment and millions in state grants to Ottawa and Muskegon counties.

Fairlife in Coopersville

The Coca-Cola Company's Fairlife facility in Coopersville is expanding with a $650 million investment that will create 150 new jobs in Ottawa County. The project will add approximately 245,000 square feet of production space and install new equipment to meet growing consumer demand for the brand's lactose-free milk and protein shakes.

The Michigan Strategic Fund approved an Alternative State Essential Services Assessment abatement valued at approximately $3.9 million to support the project. The MSF Board also approved a $17 million Strategic Site Readiness Program grant to the City of Coopersville to support upgrades to a regional water system serving Coopersville, Polkton Charter Township, and Allendale Charter Township.

Chobani in Norton Shores

Chobani is expanding its La Colombe plant in Norton Shores with a $567 million investment that will create approximately 337 jobs in Muskegon County. The project includes an additional 200,000 square feet of production space and will enhance end-to-end coffee manufacturing capabilities at the company's existing facility.

To support the project, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

"We have two major expansions going on the west side in Muskegon for dairy processing expansion for both fairlife products and Chobani products," said state Rep. Jerry Neyer, a dairy farmer. Neyer is trying to secure additional funding in the current appropriation process to upgrade 50-year-old municipal infrastructure and expand its capacity for the projects.

State Grants Support Infrastructure

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has approved $45 million in Strategic Site Readiness Program grants between the two projects for water infrastructure improvements. The grants will help upgrade wastewater systems in the communities while providing local markets for the dairy industry.

"We have been able to combine private investment with public infrastructure improvements," said Jennifer Owens, President of Lakeshore Advantage, which represents Ottawa County. "The combination supports existing employers and creates opportunities for future growth."

Community Leaders Praise the Investments

Trevor Friedeberg, president and CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development, said the Chobani expansion demonstrates that Muskegon County competes and wins on a national stage. "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," Friedeberg said.

Quentin Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, noted that the investments demonstrate Team Michigan's sustained commitment to enhancing all of Michigan's economic sectors from a variety of programmatic and solutions-oriented angles.

Broader Economic Impact

The investments will benefit the West Michigan dairy industry and create a multiplier effect throughout the region. Both Fairlife and Chobani have been operating in Michigan for years, and these expansions build on existing infrastructure and workforce capabilities.

The state's economic development programs are designed to help communities prepare for major investments by improving infrastructure, recruiting businesses, and supporting workforce development. The Strategic Site Readiness Program specifically helps communities with site preparation, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development to attract major business investments.

These projects highlight the continued importance of the West Michigan agribusiness corridor to Michigan's economy. The region's combination of skilled workers, quality of life, and business-friendly climate continues to attract major investments from national companies.