Great Lakes Wire

A local distiller of bourbon and craft whiskey is expanding its operations.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) disclosed that nearly 100 new jobs will be created at Traverse City Whiskey Company LLC (TCWC), according to a press release from her office. Officials from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) joined Whitmer in revealing the news.

TCWC also produces premium cocktail cherry garnishes, the press release noted. The company will grow its Traverse City facility with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF).

Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and president and chairman of the MSF Board, spoke about the expansion.

"Cheers to the team at TCWC on your growth success," he said in the press release. "We're pleased to support your expansion in Michigan and appreciate this vote of confidence in the strength of our talented workforce and attractive business climate. Today represents only the beginning of an exciting relationship with TCWC. We are grateful to the governor, legislators, and local officials for their continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program..."

Messer said the expansion was a signal that the state would continue to explore economic opportunities that are beneficial to all parties.

"We're proud to join our local partners as we celebrate TCWC's expansion and look forward to working together to grow, add jobs, and provide greater opportunity for our friends and neighbors in northern Michigan," he said.

TCWC will repurpose an abandoned cherry processing facility in Traverse City, according to the press release.

"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 in the press release. "Right now, Michigan's economy is growing, and we must build on our momentum by empowering our hard-working people, innovative small businesses, and resilient communities.

"Our future is bright, and by continuing to work together on bipartisan economic development efforts, we can bring in more investments like this one by TCWC to [help] us move Michigan forward."

A $750,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant was awarded for the project, the press release noted. Traverse City was chosen over Michigan City, Indiana, for the site of the facility.

"Elmwood Township is excited that TC Whiskey is revitalizing the former Cherry Growers operations," Jeffrey Shaw, Elmwood Township supervisor, said in the press release. "The property has been vacant and decaying, and the TC Whiskey project will provide economic opportunity for workers in our area."