Chobani has announced plans for a multi‑phase, $567 million expansion of its La Colombe plant in western Michigan that is expected to add more than 200,000 square feet of production space as well as nearly 340 new jobs on top of the existing 312.
The March 24 announcement comes as demand surges for La Colombe’s signature ready-to-drink lattes, Chobani said.
La Colombe’s history
La Colombe first started in Philadelphia in 1994, eventually opening coffee cafés across the country. In 2016, the brand launched its ready-to-drink lattes in retail stores. Made in Norton Shores with locally-sourced Michigan milk, La Colombe lattes offer consumers a ready-to-drink coffee with cleaner ingredients, less sugar and better nutrition, according to Chobani.
“La Colombe has been making ready-to-drink lattes in Norton Shores for more than a decade, and from day one this community has welcomed us with open arms,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani. “There’s something special here — in the hardworking spirit of the people, in the pride of Michigan’s farmers who produce high quality, delicious, farm-fresh milk, in the way neighbors show up for one another. That kind of richness is rare and reminds us what makes Michigan so special.
“For us, growth is about more than numbers — it’s about supporting the community, creating opportunity and building something that lasts,” Ulukaya continued. “This is just the beginning of a beautiful journey together in West Michigan, and we’re committed to being part of it for many years to come.”
Bolstering Michigan
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “I want to thank Chobani for working with us to create 337 good-paying jobs and invest $567 million here in Michigan’s local economy. It shows the world that Michigan is the best place to grow stuff and build a thriving agricultural economy. From the dairy farm to the production floor and the shelves of our grocery stores, let’s keep working together to help more workers, businesses and families ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
The increased production means that Chobani will buy significantly more milk from local Michigan farmers for the La Colombe plant, increasing supply from approximately 30 million to an expected 615 million pounds annually over the next few years.
In addition to increasing production capacity, Chobani will strengthen partnerships with local organizations, workforce development programs and schools, “helping to build pathways to good jobs, career training and community‑driven progress,” the company said.
Chobani’s scope
Chobani manufactures yogurt, oat milk and creamers. It acquired La Colombe in 2023, followed by Daily Harvest, ready-to-make meals company, in 2025. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.