State Rep. Jerry Neyer today celebrated Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund investments supporting major Chobani and fairlife expansion projects that are bringing more than $1.2 billion in private investment, hundreds of new jobs, and new opportunities for Michigan dairy farmers.

Neyer worked behind the scenes to help advance funding supporting Chobani’s major expansion of its La Colombe coffee manufacturing facility in Norton Shores. He also recently joined company and community leaders at the groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the project.

“This is what I want to see more of in Michigan: Michigan milk being turned into Michigan-made products by Michigan workers,” said Neyer (R-Shepherd). “As a dairy farmer, I know the work that goes into producing that milk and how much it means when companies choose to invest here and create new markets for what our farmers produce. I was proud to help advocate for the funding needed to support this project and even prouder to stand there at the groundbreaking and see it moving forward.”

Chobani plans to invest up to $567 million to expand its La Colombe facility, creating 337 new jobs while retaining 312 existing positions. The facility produces ready-to-drink coffee products using milk sourced from Michigan dairy farms and cooperatives.

The expansion is expected to dramatically increase Chobani’s demand for Michigan dairy products. The company currently purchases about 30 million pounds of raw milk annually for the facility. With the expansion, Chobani could purchase as much as 615 million pounds of raw milk over the next few years, providing a significant new market for Michigan’s dairy industry.

The project is supported by a $28 million Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund grant to Muskegon County to repair and modernize the regional wastewater system serving Norton Shores and surrounding communities. The infrastructure improvements will help accommodate Chobani’s expansion while strengthening a system that also serves area residents and businesses.

The Competitiveness Fund is also supporting fairlife’s $650 million expansion in Coopersville. The company is adding two high-speed production lines for its lactose-free milk and protein shakes, creating approximately 200 full-time jobs. A $17 million Competitiveness Fund grant to the City of Coopersville will support improvements to the regional water system needed to accommodate continued residential and economic growth.

“Michigan produces some of the best agricultural products in the country, and we should be working to make sure more of what we grow and produce is processed, manufactured, and turned into value-added products right here at home,” Neyer said. “These investments create new markets for our farmers, support good jobs for Michigan workers, and keep more of that economic activity right here in our state. That’s a win for Michigan agriculture and a win for communities across our state.”