Chobani Expansion of La Colombe in Norton Shores Creates 337 New Jobs, Invests $567 Million in Local Area

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Strategic Fund Board (MSF) approved support for improving wastewater infrastructure to communities across Muskegon County, which is also advancing a significant investment by Chobani to expand La Colombe’s facility in Norton Shores (Muskegon County). With this investment, the company is expected to create 337 new jobs, retain 312 existing jobs, and invest up to $567 million in the area. 

“Companies know that they succeed when they invest in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “I want to thank Chobani for working with us to create 337 good-paying jobs and invest $567 million here in Michigan’s local economy. It shows the world that Michigan is the best place to grow stuff and build a thriving agricultural economy. From the dairy farm to the production floor and the shelves of our grocery stores, let’s keep working together to help more workers, businesses, and families ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

“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,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani. “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. 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.” 

“Today’s actions by the Strategic Fund Board demonstrate 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,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and chair of the MSF Board. “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.” 

"This wastewater project will have a direct impact on the region's value-added processing and reinforces our mission at the state of improving quality of life for Michiganders,” said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring. “Partnerships like these are evidence that companies see the strength of Michigan's food, agriculture and forestry industry and want to leverage its success in a way that ultimately strengthens our communities and economies." 

The Board also approved a separate request in the City of Coopersville (Ottawa County) to upgrade its regional water system; an expansion of operations by fairlife, LLC; and a Michigan Community Revitalization Loan for 109 apartments in Grand Rapids.  

Muskegon County Approved for $28 million in Strategic Site Readiness Funds  

OVERVIEW: Muskegon County was approved for a $28 million SSRP to repair and modernize a wastewater system that has been in serving residents and businesses in Norton Shores, Muskegon Heights, Fruitport, and the City of Muskegon for over 50 years. The overall cost to address the matter is estimated to be about $64.5 million.  

The project has three phases: Phase one will increase local sewer capacity by upsizing existing sanitary infrastructure; Phase two will rehabilitate an existing, 42-inch concrete gravity sanitary sewer drain; and Phase three will address capacity limitations in the existing force main connecting the sanitary sewer pump station to the downstream, 36-inch gravity sewer system. 

WHY IT MATTERS: The existing wastewater system is aging, has experienced failures, and lacks sufficient capacity. Without these upgrades, future regional growth cannot be supported, but with them, the county can continue to work toward regional goals of population growth, housing, and long-term sustainability. 

“Muskegon County recognizes the wastewater infrastructure investment as a crucial enhancement that not only improves system reliability but also eliminates significant obstacles to economic progress. This initiative is set to stimulate growth in the agricultural industry, generating broader benefits for manufacturing, food processing, and workforce housing,” said Mark Eisenbarth, Muskegon County administrator.  

“By attracting new businesses and nurturing a strong public-private partnership, Muskegon County is reinforcing an integrated infrastructure network. This foundation supports the enduring prosperity of local communities and promises sustainable economic stability for Muskegon County and the wider region.” 

Chobani to Invest $567M in City of Norton Shores for La Colombe Expansion, Doubling Workforce  

OVERVIEW: Chobani, today received MSF Board approval for a $5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant that is expected to create 337 new jobs, retain 312 existing jobs, and invest up to $567 million in the City of Norton Shores (Muskegon County) for an expansion of La Colombe’s coffee manufacturing facility in an effort to meet increased demand for its ready-to-drink Draft Latte coffee products. 

With the support, La Colombe expects to grow production substantially to meet current and projected demand. The expansion would occur in three phases and include the expansion of end-to-end coffee manufacturing capabilities in Michigan. 

WHY IT MATTERS: The investment by Chobani makes Norton Shores the main hub for La Colombe’s coffee operations across manufacturing, production, R&D, and innovations.  

Additionally, the investment has a broader statewide impact on Michigan’s agricultural industry: The milk used in La Colombe’s Draft Latte drinks is sourced, in part, from Michigan dairy farms and co-ops. With this expansion, it is anticipated that Chobani could purchase up to 615 million pounds of raw milk over time, a significant increase compared to the current 30 million pounds purchased today.  

The project is also expected to generate substantial economic activity for Michigan suppliers across the supply chain, including fruit, packaging, ingredients, logistics, palletizing, cold-chain warehousing, transportation, and equipment services. 

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: “The impact that this investment will have on the City of Norton Shores is monumental,” said Gary Nelund, Mayor of the City of Norton Shores. “The leadership at La Colombe/ Chobani has shown through this entire process how much it cares for its employees, its products and the community.  We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship as the company expands in Norton Shores.” 

Trevor Friedeberg, president and CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development, added: “An expansion of this magnitude 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.” 

NOTE FROM THE MEDC: Investment and job numbers represent the commitment made by the business to the state of Michigan. Terms will be formalized in a performance-based project agreement, with funds disbursed as reimbursement based on eligible expenditures, and are subject to amendment or cancellation if the commitments are not met due to risks or uncertainties. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides a public annual report on agreements and their status to the state legislature.  

 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.