The Daily Dig
Coca-Cola is putting up to $650 million into its fairlife facility in Coopersville, Michigan, adding two high-speed production lines and roughly 245,000 square feet of production space. Construction starts later this year, with both lines targeted to be operational by 2028.
The expansion will create 150 jobs at a facility that already employs more than 400 people. Fairlife has operated in Coopersville since 2012 and is one of Michigan's largest dairy-related food processors.
The brand produces ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk and protein shakes and has seen strong consumer demand for its higher-protein, lower-sugar products.
To support the expansion, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved a $17 million grant to upgrade a regional water system serving Coopersville and two neighboring townships. The system is currently at 80% capacity and more than 50 years old.
The water infrastructure work will also complement upgrades already underway through the Southeast Regional Force Main project. Separately, the MSF Board approved an Alternative State Essential Services Assessment abatement for fairlife valued at approximately $3.9 million.
Project Snapshot:
Project: fairlife Production Facility Expansion
Developer/Owner: fairlife, LLC (wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company)
Location: Coopersville, Ottawa County, Michigan
Sector: Food and beverage manufacturing / industrial
Scope: Addition of two high-speed production lines; approximately 245,000 SF of new production space
Investment: Up to $650 million (private)
New Jobs: 150
Existing Workforce: 400+
Construction Start: Later in 2025
Target Operations: 2028
State Incentive (fairlife): Alternative State Essential Services Assessment abatement, valued at approximately $3.9 million
Public Infrastructure Investment: $17 million Strategic Site Readiness Program grant to the City of Coopersville
Infrastructure Scope: Regional water system upgrades serving Coopersville, Polkton Charter Township, and Allendale Charter Township
Current System Capacity: 80% capacity; 50+ years old
Related Infrastructure: Southeast Regional Force Main project (upgrades already underway)
TheJobWalk Thoughts
A 245,000 SF industrial addition with two high-speed production lines means significant MEP, process piping, and equipment installation scopes. Subs with food and beverage manufacturing experience, particularly those familiar with FDA or USDA facility requirements, should be positioning now. GCs in West Michigan with existing relationships in this space have a real opportunity here.
The $17 million water infrastructure grant is a standalone procurement with its own bid cycle, separate from the fairlife build. Utility and site contractors in Ottawa County should be watching for that to hit the street independently.
Coca-Cola's CFO has publicly stated plans to expand other fairlife facilities over the next three to five years, targeting a 30% increase in production capacity. If you're looking to build a long-term relationship with this owner, the window to get on their radar is now, not after the next project is announced.
