Major Manufacturing Expansion Brings Infrastructure Upgrades and New Employment Opportunities to Ottawa County

COOPERSTVILLE, Mich. — Global beverage producer The Coca-Cola Company is investing $650 million to expand its fairlife facility in Coopersville, Michigan. The project is expected to create approximately 150 new jobs in Ottawa County and add roughly 245,000 square feet of production space.

The expansion will include the installation of two state-of-the-art, high-speed production lines at the company's existing fairlife plant. fairlife LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, produces milk-based dairy beverages using filtration processes to adjust protein, sugar, and lactose levels. The company's portfolio includes ultra-filtered milk, nutrition shakes, and ready-to-drink beverages.

State Support for Infrastructure Improvements

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board approved support for the expansion. The MSF Board approved a $17 million Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP) grant for the City of Coopersville to use on improvements to a regional water system serving Coopersville, Polkton Charter Township, and Allendale Charter Township.

"The current system is at 80% capacity and is over 50 years old, state officials said. The infrastructure upgrades are critical to support continued growth in the region."

The project is also receiving an Alternative State Essential Services Assessment (ASESA) abatement valued at approximately $3.9 million to help offset costs for the expansion.

"We are proud to support this project," said Quentin Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. "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."

Regional Impact

Lakeshore Advantage, a regional economic development organization, noted the broader benefits of the investment.

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

The project is scheduled to begin in 2026, with construction underway at the Coopersville facility. The expansion represents significant growth for fairlife, which has seen increasing demand for value-added dairy beverages, including ultra-filtered milk and protein shakes, according to the company.

Construction Timeline and Economic Benefits

The $650 million investment will be directed toward new equipment and the addition of approximately 245,000 square feet of production space at the fairlife campus. The two new production lines are designed to increase capacity and meet growing consumer demand for the company's premium dairy products.

This expansion comes as Michigan continues to attract major manufacturing investments. The West Michigan region has been a focal point for economic development, with multiple industrial and commercial projects announced in recent months.

The 150 new positions will likely include manufacturing roles, equipment operation positions, and support staff to maintain the expanded facility. Specific job titles and wage details were not disclosed by the company.

About fairlife

fairlife is a dairy beverage company owned by The Coca-Cola Company. The company's products include ultra-filtered milk, nutrition shakes, and ready-to-drink beverages. fairlife's production facilities are located throughout the United States, with the Coopersville plant being one of its major manufacturing hubs.

The expansion at Coopersville underscores fairlife's commitment to investing in Michigan and creating employment opportunities in the region. The company has been a significant employer in Ottawa County for many years.