Wisconsin-based Agropur Inc. plans to expand $21.3 million to expand its existing local facility in Wyoming, Mich., resulting in the creation of 62 new jobs over the next three years. The plant mainly produces various shelf-stable dairy products that are distributed across the country.

Agropur -- the U.S. subsidiary of Agropur Cooperative, a dairy manufacturer headquartered in Canada -- currently processes more than 13 billion lb. of milk per year at its 39 plants across North America.

The majority of the $21.3 million expansion project at Agropur’s Wyoming facility will be for new equipment, with a portion going towards building modifications. The investment is driven by the need to meet growing customer demand and will result in a modernized production line and increased production capacity.

“We’re excited to be expanding our facility in Grand Rapids, (Mich.), which will allow us to better serve our customers,” said Doug Simon, president of U.S. operations at Agropur. “This investment is a key to continuing Agropur’s impressive growth and will also create jobs in the state of Michigan.”

The city of Wyoming was chosen over multiple competing sites in other states. The Right Place, West Michigan's leading economic development organization, worked in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) to ensure that the project happened in west Michigan. The Right Place also connected the company with workforce development resources at West Michigan Works! to assist with talent attraction and workforce training.

“Agropur’s decision to invest $21.3 million and create more than 60 jobs is a tremendous win for west Michigan and the region's growing food processing sector,” said Thad Rieder, senior business development manager at The Right Place. “By partnering with the city of Wyoming, West Michigan Works!, Grand Rapids Community College and MEDC, The Right Place has been able to coordinate talent, training and financial tools to boost Agropur’s internal return for this important expansion.”

MEDC is supporting the expansion effort with a $434,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The expansion will also be supported locally by a P.A. 198 tax abatement from the city of Wyoming.

“The city of Wyoming is a phenomenal place for manufacturing, and we are so proud to have companies like Agropur in our community,” Wyoming mayor Jack Poll said. “We are excited to be a part of their growth story, and we look forward to watching their continued success.”