The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) approved a $5 million business grant and 15-year designated renaissance zone to the WK Kellogg Co processing plant in Battle Creek, Mich., a move that local news outlets report will help preserve jobs and lead to growth at the facility.
The MEDC made the move at its meeting Dec. 12, throwing its support behind the new company. WK Kellogg Co and Kellanova were created via a breakup of the former Kellogg Co. business in October, with WK Kellogg Co taking the cereal business into its portfolio.
The positive news was a reversal from the 2021 announcement of the former Kellogg Co. to move some cereal production from Battle Creek to a plant in Ontario, Canada, to save production costs. However, that plan was reversed in favor of a plan to invest in its six North American facilities.
According to the local news, the Battle Creek facility will retain 170 jobs that were originally on the chopping block due to the idling of two production lines. Furthermore, the plant is expected to add 43 new positions and invest between $43 million and $143 million in infrastructure, as well as up to $60 million in training. The company also left open the door for future plant expansion and line additions down the road.
