A Traverse City, Michigan-based distiller will soon expand its facility.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is backing Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC) LLC, which began operations with bourbon and whiskey in 2012 and produces cocktail cherry sauces, as it works to grow its Traverse City location through the Michigan Strategic Fund, according to an Oct. 28 news release from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office.
“We're thrilled to break ground on this incredible new facility and are grateful to the state of Michigan for investing in our future which will allow us to expand operations and exclusively produce our award-winning whiskey right here in our hometown of Traverse City,” Chris Fredrickson, co-founder, and president of TCWC, said in the release. “Our new headquarters will be an all-encompassing campus that will provide a unique immersion in whiskey culture and industry and will add a new experience to the thriving Northern Michigan agritourism industry. It will provide numerous jobs and attract new and returning visitors to our beautiful region. We can't wait to welcome our friends into our new home.”
The growth of TCWC has outpaced its current distilling capacity, which has led to the company giving some of its production to its partners, the release stated.
“Today’s $20 million investment by Traverse City Whiskey Company will create nearly 100 good-paying jobs and foster long-term economic opportunity in Northern Michigan’s agribusiness sector,” Whitmer said. “Right now, Michigan’s economy is growing, and we must build on our momentum by empowering our hardworking people, innovative small businesses, and resilient communities.”
In addition to the $20 million, a $750,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant was also awarded for the project, the release stated. The expansion is expected to create 100 jobs.
Michigan’s craft beverage industry is growing, said Jenelle Jagmin, Michigan Craft Beverage Council executive director.
“Businesses like Traverse City Distillery directly contribute to economic development and jobs creation with our local communities while creating markets for our farmers,” Jagmin said. “I appreciate the ongoing support and investment from Governor Whitmer, MEDC and other partners into the state’s robust craft beverage industry.”