March 24, 2026 – Speaking to the Michigan Strategic Fund Board today, Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) President Chuck Lippstreu emphasized MABA’s strong support for a bipartisan proposal to help expand La Colombe’s processing facility in Norton Shores, Michigan. The company today announced a major $567 million expansion at the facility that will create hundreds of new jobs and greatly increase the facility’s demand for Michigan milk. A news release from Governor Whitmer’s office on the announcement can be found here. A statement from Michigan House Agriculture Committee Chairman Jerry Neyer can be found here. MABA delivered the following remarks at the MSF Board meeting: “Good morning, Chairman and members of the Board. I’m Chuck Lippstreu, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. MABA is a nonprofit trade association based in Lansing, representing agricultural value chain businesses across Michigan. Our members partner with Michigan farmers to help them achieve year-round success. MABA members span the entire industry, from rural farm supply businesses, to animal nutrition companies, transportation and logistics providers and beyond. Michigan agriculture is proud to serve as a job-creating engine in our smallest towns and biggest cities. The dairy sector is especially important for the Michigan industry, benefiting our entire agricultural system. That’s why I am here today in strong support of this project to further support Michigan’s dairy sector, building on the strong success La Colombe has delivered for Muskegon and our state. This is exactly the type of employer and project Michigan agriculture can count on. La Colombe has been making ready-to-drink lattes in Norton Shores for more than a decade and is deeply rooted in the community. This expansion will take the facility to the next level. It’s an investment in a trusted, longtime employer that’s ready to double-down on our state. For all of us in Michigan agriculture, this project couldn’t be more important. It will dramatically increase milk demand to the facility, from 30 million gallons of milk annually to an estimated 615 million gallons, a 20 fold increase. That increased demand for milk benefits — first and foremost — our Michigan dairy farmers. But the benefits don’t stop there. Success for dairy farmers means success for the rural businesses working with them, and the communities they call home. It’s an investment in the entire Michigan agriculture sector. It’s also a project that’s come together the right way, with strong, bipartisan partnerships. I want to note and recognize the collaboration that’s gone into this project, starting first on the ground with local leaders helping shape what’s right for Muskegon County, and then building strong support at all levels from there. From an agricultural perspective, I can confidently say we stand with the many local, state and federal leaders who have identified this as a well-planned and common-sense investment for the future of Michigan. MABA is proud to stand in support of this project which will be a win-win for the whole community. We urge the Board to approve it. Thank you.”
