LANSING, Mich. (Mar. 24, 2026) — Michigan leaders have approved a coordinated investment strategy to support regional infrastructure upgrades and advance a major manufacturing expansion by Chobani, expected to create 337 new jobs, retain 312 positions, and generate up to $567 million in capital investment in Muskegon County.
The Michigan Strategic Fund Board authorized support for critical wastewater infrastructure improvements across Muskegon County, a move designed to accommodate long-term population and industrial growth while enabling Chobani’s planned expansion of La Colombe’s ready-to-drink coffee manufacturing facility in Norton Shores.
State officials emphasized that modernizing core infrastructure is essential to maintaining Michigan’s competitiveness in advanced food processing and value-added agriculture. The wastewater project, supported by $28 million in Strategic Site Readiness Program funding, will increase sewer capacity, rehabilitate aging systems, and address limitations in regional utility networks that have constrained development opportunities.
Chobani’s expansion is expected to significantly scale production of La Colombe Draft Latte products, establishing Norton Shores as the primary hub for the brand’s coffee manufacturing, research and innovation activities. The project will be implemented in multiple phases and supported by a $5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
Economic development leaders noted the expansion will strengthen Michigan’s agricultural supply chain, particularly dairy production, with projected increases in milk procurement from in-state farms and cooperatives. The investment is also anticipated to generate broader economic activity across logistics, packaging, cold-chain storage, equipment services and other supplier networks.
Local and regional officials said the coordinated public-private investment reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening infrastructure, supporting industrial growth and enhancing quality of life across West Michigan communities.
In addition to the Muskegon County projects, the Strategic Fund Board approved related investments in regional water system improvements, food manufacturing expansion and residential redevelopment initiatives elsewhere in the state.
