FREMONT, Mich. — The creation of a Renaissance Zone in Fremont has cleared the way for Gerber to invest $36 million in its original manufacturing facility. The company says 50 jobs will be created by the move.
The announcement from Gerber said the main reason for the investment was to advance its production of a new product category called melts, freeze-dried snacks that melts in the baby’s mouth. Growth in the category is 15 percent year-to-date.
The investment will include the advanced technology needed to produce melts in the Fremont plant.
A 10-year Renaissance Zone was authorized by the Michigan Strategic Fund of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and was supported by the city of Fremont and Newaygo County. The Right Place, Inc., out of Grand Rapids, participated in the partnership as a connection to workforce recruitment and training.
“Gerber is an important employer in West Michigan,” said MEDC CEO Mark A. Burton in the announcement. “and the company’s decision to expand in Fremont means good jobs for area residents and underscores the strength of the state’s manufacturing talent.”
Gerber started in Fremont in 1928, was sold to Nestle in 2007, and is now headquartered in Arlington, Va.