Michigan Strategic Fund Approves $5 Million Grant for Chobani Coffee Expansion in Norton Shores, $17 Million Water System Grant for Coopersville

Two Major Strategic Fund Grants Boost West Michigan Economic Development

NORTON SHORES and COOPERSVILLE, Mich. — The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved two significant grants totaling approximately $22 million to support major business expansions in West Michigan, demonstrating continued state investment in regional economic development.

The grants target two different projects: a $5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant for Chobani's expansion of its coffee production operations in Norton Shores, and a $17 million Strategic Site Readiness Program grant to the City of Coopersville for water system upgrades supporting Coca-Cola's expansion of the fairlife facility.

Chobani Coffee Expansion in Norton Shores

The Chobani project represents a $567 million investment that will create approximately 337 jobs in Muskegon County. The expansion will add 200,000 square feet of production space to enhance end-to-end coffee manufacturing capabilities at the company's existing La Colombe facility in Norton Shores.

Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani, stated that the expansion reflects the company's commitment to supporting Norton Shores and the broader West Michigan community. "La Colombe has been making ready-to-drink lattes in Norton Shores for more than a decade, and from day one this community has welcomed us with open arms," Ulukaya said. "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."

Trevor Friedeberg, president and CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development, noted that the project demonstrates Muskegon County's competitiveness 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."

The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved the $5 million grant to support the project, with Quentin Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and chair of the MSF Board, stating that "Team Michigan's sustained commitment demonstrates support from a variety of programmatic and solutions-oriented angles so that more people and businesses can 'Make It' in Michigan."

Coca-Cola Expansion in Coopersville

In Ottawa County, The Coca-Cola Company is expanding its fairlife facility in Coopersville with a $650 million investment expected to create 150 jobs. The expansion includes approximately 245,000 square feet of production space and new equipment for beverage production.

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

Quentin Messer Jr. stated that "the West Michigan agribusiness corridor is a key component of Michigan's economy, and it is critical that it has the infrastructure needed to support continued growth."

Jennifer Owens, President of Lakeshore Advantage, emphasized that "investments like this strengthen the region well beyond a single project. The combination of private investment and public infrastructure improvements supports existing employers and creates opportunities for future growth."

Strategic Fund's Economic Development Role

The Michigan Strategic Fund Board has been actively supporting West Michigan business expansions throughout 2026. The Chobani and Coca-Cola projects join other significant investments receiving Strategic Fund support, including a $5 million grant for Chobani's Norton Shores operations and ASESA abatements for various projects.

The grants demonstrate the Strategic Fund's commitment to supporting both manufacturing and infrastructure development across West Michigan, with a focus on creating jobs and improving the business environment in key regional centers.

The Chobani expansion builds on the company's existing presence in Norton Shores, where the La Colombe facility has been producing ready-to-drink coffee beverages for over a decade. The Coca-Cola expansion at the fairlife facility represents a significant increase in production capacity for the dairy beverage company.

Both projects highlight the Strategic Fund's approach of combining direct grants with tax abatements and infrastructure support to create a comprehensive package for business development in West Michigan communities.