Michigan Milk Producers Expand with $122 Million Investment

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is set to expand its operations in Michigan with a significant investment of $122 million. This initiative will enhance facilities in Clinton County and Mecosta County, aimed at meeting the growing demand for high-protein dairy products such as ultrafiltered milk and cottage cheese.

The expansion project has garnered support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, which approved a grant of $662,500 and provided tax exemptions worth $420,718. A key aspect of the plan involves reviving a cheese plant in Wheatland Township, previously owned by Leprino Foods, which had ceased operations earlier this year. This move is expected to create 63 jobs in Mecosta County, mitigating the impact of the plant's earlier closure which had resulted in a loss of 140 jobs.

In addition to the reactivation of the cheese plant, MMPA will expand its Ovid campus, constructing a new facility equipped to process up to 8 million pounds of raw milk annually. Of this, 3 million pounds are designated for ultrafiltered milk production, supporting products like high-protein yogurts and protein shakes. The facility's high automation level will require a smaller but more skilled workforce, adding 13 local jobs.

MMPA's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Sheila Burkhardt, highlighted the project's alignment with the increasing consumer preference for nutrient-dense, high-protein, and low-sugar products. This trend is reflected in the rising U.S. demand for protein products, which now constitutes a $114 billion industry.

Founded in 1916, MMPA operates four processing plants across Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin, producing a range of dairy products used in various food items. The association's strategic expansion reflects its commitment to innovation and market responsiveness amid changing consumer preferences.