fairlife breaks ground on $650 million Coopersville expansion as Michigan advances major food, battery and semiconductor investments
LANSING, Mich. (August 12, 2026) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the groundbreaking of fairlife’s manufacturing expansion in Coopersville as the state advances several major economic development projects expected to invest approximately $2 billion and support up to 817 jobs.
Projects involving fairlife, Chobani, Mitra Chem and Hemlock Semiconductor are receiving state support through the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund and related economic development programs.
Collectively, the investments will strengthen Michigan’s position in food production, agriculture, advanced materials, energy storage and semiconductor manufacturing.
Michigan Investment Highlights
- Approximately $2 billion in combined economic investment
- Up to 817 jobs created or retained
- $650 million fairlife expansion in Coopersville
- Up to $567 million Chobani investment in Norton Shores
- More than $370 million Mitra Chem project in Egelston Township
- Major water and wastewater infrastructure improvements
- New opportunities for Michigan dairy farmers and agricultural suppliers
- Continued growth in battery materials and semiconductor supply chains
“Companies know that when they invest in Michigan, they succeed,” Whitmer said. “Investments supported by the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund show the world that Michigan is the best place to make stuff, grow stuff and build a thriving economy.”
Whitmer said the projects will generate economic opportunities in some of Michigan’s smaller communities while supporting workers, businesses and families across the state.
fairlife Breaks Ground on $650 Million Coopersville Expansion
fairlife is expanding its production capacity in Coopersville, located in Ottawa County, with two new high-speed production lines for lactose-free milk and protein shakes.
The company plans to invest $650 million and add approximately 200 full-time positions at the facility.
The project, initially announced in March 2026, is receiving:
- An Alternative State Essential Services Assessment abatement valued at approximately $3.9 million
- A $3.275 million grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for production infrastructure
- A $17 million Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund grant to the City of Coopersville
Coopersville will use the state infrastructure funding to improve its regional water system, helping the community accommodate fairlife’s expansion while attracting and retaining additional residents and employers.
Chobani Plans Up to $567 Million La Colombe Expansion
Chobani is expanding its La Colombe coffee manufacturing operation in Norton Shores, located in Muskegon County.
The company plans to invest up to $567 million to meet increasing consumer demand for La Colombe ready-to-drink lattes. The project is expected to create 337 jobs and retain 312 existing positions.
State support includes:
- A $5 million performance-based grant through the Michigan Business Development Program
- A $2.3 million MDARD grant for wastewater infrastructure and regenerative agricultural practices
- A $28 million Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund grant to Muskegon County
Muskegon County will use the infrastructure funding to repair and modernize a wastewater system serving Norton Shores, Muskegon Heights, Fruitport and the City of Muskegon. The regional system has operated for more than 50 years.
“The Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund program is helping turn transformational opportunities into reality,” State Sen. Jon Bumstead said. “Through strategic investments in critical water and wastewater infrastructure, these grants are not only supporting the expansion of La Colombe in Muskegon County and fairlife in Coopersville, but also creating the foundation for long-term regional growth and competitiveness.”
Expansion Could Generate New Demand for Michigan Milk
La Colombe sources a portion of the milk used in its ready-to-drink beverages from Michigan dairy farms and cooperatives.
With the expansion, Chobani could increase its annual raw milk purchases to as much as 615 million pounds over the next several years. The company currently purchases approximately 30 million pounds annually.
State Rep. Will Snyder said the fairlife and La Colombe expansions represent more than $1 billion in combined investment in the Muskegon area.
“The effects will not only be the creation of hundreds of good-paying jobs, but it will support a whole network of dairy farmers throughout the entire state,” Snyder said.
Mitra Chem Plans $370 Million Battery Materials Facility
Mitra Chem plans to construct a manufacturing facility in Egelston Township in Muskegon County.
The plant would produce lithium iron phosphate cathode material for batteries serving defense, energy storage and electric vehicle markets. The company intends to establish a domestic supply of material that complies with federal restrictions concerning foreign entities of concern.
The project represents an investment of more than $370 million and is expected to create:
- Up to 150 permanent jobs
- Approximately 600 construction jobs
The investment includes a $100 million grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy and $50 million in support from the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund.
Mitra Chem is coordinating with state and federal environmental agencies and the Department of Energy to complete permitting and regulatory requirements. The company anticipates breaking ground in early 2027 and beginning commissioning in 2028.
Hemlock Semiconductor Strengthens Michigan’s Semiconductor Supply Chain
Hemlock Semiconductor, one of the world’s largest producers of hyper-pure polysilicon, was announced in October 2024 as a potential recipient of up to $325 million in proposed federal funding through the CHIPS and Science Act.
The company was also identified for up to $40 million from the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund in connection with a prospective investment in the state.
The project could add up to 180 manufacturing positions and generate more than 1,000 construction opportunities.
“Hemlock Semiconductor’s expansion adds up to 180 new, good-paying manufacturing jobs and over a thousand construction opportunities for hardworking families,” State Sen. Chedrick Greene said. “I am proud to support investments that strengthen Michigan’s leadership in the global semiconductor supply chain.”
State Investments Target Infrastructure and Industry Growth
The Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund helps communities secure major business projects by addressing infrastructure, workforce and development needs.
Michigan officials said coordinated investments in water systems, wastewater capacity, production infrastructure and supply-chain development are helping communities compete for projects that might otherwise locate outside the state.
“These recent grants will support critical investments in Michigan’s $125.8 billion food and agriculture industry, create good-paying jobs and promote prosperity in communities across our state,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said.
MEDC CEO Quentin Messer Jr. said the investments reflect confidence in Michigan’s workforce and the state’s commitment to providing the infrastructure necessary for business growth.
“These investments are a vote of confidence in Michigan’s economic development strategy focused on winning projects that connect more Michiganders and their communities to employment and entrepreneurial opportunity,” Messer said.
The projects support Michigan’s broader strategy to create skilled jobs, develop vibrant communities, attract new capital investment and bring critical manufacturing supply chains back to the United States.
