Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board support for projects that create up to 96 new jobs in Shelby Township and 56 residential units in Downtown Clawson; combined, the projects will generate nearly $50 million in total capital investment. 

Food processing company Peterson Farms plans to expand its operations in Shelby Township, further investing its future growth in the state and bolstering Michigan’s robust agribusiness sector. The redevelopment of blighted property in Downtown Clawson will add critical housing and amenity space, contributing to the vibrancy of the community. 

The two projects approved by the MSF Board align with the state’s Make It in Michigan economic development strategy of supporting People, Places, and Projects across the state. 

“Today’s projects in Shelby Township and Clawson will create good-paying local jobs and more homes for working families,” Whitmer said. “We’re focused on working across the aisle to make sure Michiganders in every community have the opportunity to earn more money and find a quality, affordable place to call home. Let’s keep supporting businesses expansions in every region of Michigan and making our cities and small towns better places to live, work, and invest. Together, we’ll help more Michiganders ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

“The State of Michigan is committed to providing companies and communities with the resources they need to grow and thrive,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. “These projects will grow our economy, strengthen our state’s agribusiness industry, and replace blighted property with critical housing so Michiganders across our state can find affordable places to live. Let’s keep working together help more working Michigan families achieve health, wealth, and their full potential.” 

“Whether it’s a Michigan-born company continuing to invest in its growth or risk-taking real estate developers adding residential density to one of our great communities, today’s approved projects are helping us deliver on the state’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy of supporting People, Places, and Projects,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Chair of the MSF Board. “I’m grateful to Governor Whitmer, our bipartisan partners in the state legislature, and the volunteer MSF Board for their ongoing support of the critical Business Development and Community Revitalization program grant tools. While work remains, together as Team Michigan, we deliver results for Michiganders across both peninsulas.” 

Food processing company Peterson Farms expanding operations in Shelby Township, creating up to 96 new jobs 

Overview: Peterson Farms, a food processing company on the border of Shelby Township and Hart (Oceana County), will expand operations at its Shelby Township facility to increase its juice containerization capability. 

The project, which will result in a capital investment of $32.2 million and creation of at least 96 new jobs, will be supported by a 15-year, 100% State Essential Services Assessment (SESA) Exemption with an estimated value of up to $576,970 for its $26.2 million eligible investment in Eligible Personal Property. 

“Peterson Farms is appreciative of the State of Michigan and MEDC and thanks them for their support of our growth in the food processing arena,” said COO Richard Raffaelli and CFO Mike Agosta. “We’re proud that our continued growth in manufacturing supports rural Michigan residents and contributes to Michigan’s agriculture industry.” 

As the largest employer in Oceana County with 640 Michigan residents employed at its Shelby Township facilities, Peterson Farms is an advocate of wraparound services for its employees, providing housing for 225 associates and their families, daycare, transportation, and recently added an after-hours medical clinic. In 2022, the company was awarded $3.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funding and $800,000 in MEDC Corporate Funds to provide water infrastructure for low to moderate workforce housing in Shelby Township. 

The company’s continued investment and growth solidifies its welcomed presence in Oceana County and contributes to Michigan’s leadership in agribusiness. Michigan is the second-most agriculturally diverse state, and its food and agriculture industry brings in $104.7 billion annually to the state’s economy. 

As a marketing leader of frozen fruits in the United States, Peterson Farms markets over 150 million finished pounds of frozen fruits and seven million gallons of single strength apple juice/cider and juice concentrates. The company is also one of the leading processors of fresh-cut apples in the United States. 

“Investing in our specialty crops is a priority for MDARD and supports the long-term success of Michigan's agricultural diversity and vibrancy of our rural communities,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “I congratulate Peterson Farms on their continued growth and expansion, which will serve as an important example of creating economic opportunity right here in Michigan.” 

"This will be a great benefit for the area. Peterson Farms has repeatedly invested in the community and this project is no exception,” said state Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-102nd District). “Not only will this grant bring 96 new jobs to the area, but it will have an economic ripple effect on the surrounding businesses, making Shelby an even better place to live and work." 

“I am thrilled to learn that the Peterson Farms expansion project has been approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board,” said state Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-North Muskegon). “Peterson Farms is Oceana County’s largest employer and plays a vital role in the region’s agricultural industry. With the addition of at least 96 new jobs, Peterson Farms will continue to be a hallmark of Oceana County. I look forward to seeing the project progress and thank the board for their commitment to supporting Michigan’s key employers and industries.”