Fairlife Commences $650 Million Expansion in Michigan

Fairlife, a Coca-Cola subsidiary, has begun a significant expansion project at its Coopersville, Michigan plant, marking a $650 million investment. The expansion includes the addition of 245,000 square feet of production space and the installation of two high-speed production lines, aiming to boost the output of Fairlife’s ultra-filtered milk and Core Power protein shakes.

The expansion is projected to generate approximately 150 to 200 new full-time positions, enhancing local employment and increasing the procurement of raw milk from dairy farms across Michigan. The existing facility already processes millions of pounds of milk daily, and the increased capacity will help solidify long-term contracts with regional agricultural producers.

In support of the project, Fairlife has secured a $3.9 million tax abatement under the Alternative State Essential Services Assessment (ASESA) and a $3.275 million grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Additionally, the city of Coopersville received a $17 million grant from the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund to upgrade local water and municipal infrastructure.

This expansion follows a temporary operational pause in July due to external utility issues, which were resolved without affecting product availability in stores. Construction is expected to take 18 months, with commercial production anticipated to begin in 2028. The project underscores Fairlife’s commitment to strengthening Michigan’s rural economy.