Michigan Backs $56M Facility to Produce Plant-Based Milk With New Water-Based Nut Extraction Process

Fenton Food and Beverage, a company owned by Yahya Abbas, has received approval to build a $56.2 million plant-based milk manufacturing facility in Fenton, Michigan. The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved a $960,000 grant and tax exemption for the project, contingent on creating 96 jobs with an average wage of $33 per hour.

The facility will be the first in North America to use a water-based nut extraction process to produce plant-based milk. Initially focusing on almond milk production, the plant may also run shorter production batches for other beverages. Michigan's workforce availability, airport access, and local infrastructure support were factors in the state winning the bid over rival states. Abbas praised the access, workforce, and partnership in Fenton, expressing excitement about building a long-term operation there.