Ceres Solutions Co-op (formerly North Central Co-op) has received a $350,000 loan to help it progress on its feed mill expansion in White Cloud, Michigan.
The new $350,000 project will increase logistics capacity at the site, including a new rail siding, existing track improvements, and the installation of ingredient receiving pits.
Mark Guzniczak, business development coordinator for the Newaygo County Economic Development Office (NCEDO), assisted the company with its application for a Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Freight Economic Development Program loan. The loan program will provide the funding needed for the project’s rail improvements.
“This latest project is yet another example of the important role NCEDO plays in spurring economic growth in our community,” said Todd Blake, city manager/finance director, City of Fremont, and current NCEDO chair. “NCEDO exists to provide business support services like this to growing companies in Newaygo County.”
Through its Freight Economic Development Program (FEDP), MDOT’s Office of Rail provides low-interest loans to businesses locating or expanding in Michigan that require rail service, or to entities interested in assisting these businesses. These loans may cover up to 50 percent of the cost of the rail infrastructure, and are limited to the rail infrastructure itself.
“NCEDO and MDOT have provided us with all the tools and support we need to succeed in West Michigan,” said Martin Hall, Michigan region manager, Ceres Solutions. “Without their support, this project would have taken much longer and would have slowed our growth in the state.” NCEDO and Ceres Solutions (then North Central Co-op) first announced the company’s major expansion in White Cloud in 2016, which included a $10 million investment and the creation of three new jobs.
