“Heinz has a long history in the Holland community, providing jobs, supporting local agriculture and industrial businesses, and playing a vital role in West Michigan,” MEDC CEO Steve Arwood said. “This expansion demonstrates to other global companies Michigan’s standing as one of the great agriculture centers in the U.S. with a business climate that enables their success.” The project is supported by Michigan Strategic Fund.
Kraft Heinz Company is the result of the merger of Kraft Foods Group and HJ Heinz Company in July 2015. The company is now the world’s fifth-largest food and beverage company and the third-largest in the United States.
The company plans to expand operations at the Heinz manufacturing plant in the city of Holland, consolidating 100 percent of the production of Grey Poupon mustard and insourcing the majority of Heinz Yellow Mustard to Michigan. As a result of the expansion, MSF approved a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant for the project.
People interested in career opportunities with Kraft Heinz Company should visit www.kraftheinzcompany.com/applyna.html or visit the company at 431 W. 16th Street in Holland to apply in person.
“Back in 1897, Henry John Heinz had the vision to expand his operations into Holland, Michigan, driven by the area’s rich agriculture and eager workforce,” Kraft Heinz Factory Manager Brian Baculik said. “Nearly 120 years later, the Heinz facility remains Holland’s oldest employer."
“Through generations of hard-working employees, we’ve seen product lines evolve in Holland from pickles and vinegar to barbeque sauce and now Grey Poupon, yet another iconic brand in the Kraft Heinz portfolio,” said Baculik. “This expansion of iconic product lines is creating exciting career opportunities at all levels here in Holland, so we encourage people in the area to learn more by visiting our website or stopping by our offices in Holland.”
Kraft Heinz selected the Holland site over competing sites in other states. The City of Holland has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatement.
“Heinz Holland emerges as a leading product innovator again,” said Holland Mayor Nancy DeBoer. “With hard work, flexibility, and loyalty, the Holland's workforce catches the attention of the nation, and the company is able to expand within their current location in the city. We have much to celebrate!”
Lakeshore Advantage, a nonprofit economic development organization that drives business growth in West Michigan, worked side-by-side with local company leaders in catalyzing the partners, information, incentives and support tools needed to make the business case to invest in the Holland facility, versus alternate locations.
“Kraft Heinz Food Company’s decision to expand here is a testament to our community’s strong food processing employee skillset, along with many other factors that add up to a solid location for world-class businesses,” Lakeshore Advantage president Jennifer Owens. “Our ongoing relationship with Heinz enabled us to really understand their needs and mobilize the resources needed for this anchor company to expand.”
The announcement on May 18 came on the heels of last week’s news of two other agribusiness expansions in West Michigan that will bring nearly 200 jobs and $36 million in private investment.
Kent Quality Foods, a producer of high-quality meats, is expanding in Jamestown Charter Township, investing nearly $35 million and creating 140 jobs. Spiech Farms, a grower of grapes, asparagus, lettuce, and blueberries, is expanding in Paw Paw. That project will generate more than $1 million in private investment and create 55 jobs.
Michigan’s food processing businesses generate nearly $25 billion in economic activity, and employ more than 130,000 residents. The West Michigan region is also home to Mead Johnson Nutrition, Butterball Farms, Coles, Kellogg’s, Country Fresh, Hudsonville and Gerber.