Michigan Milk Producers Association Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Major Ovid Expansion
Project Reinforces Flagship Production Campus.
Lansing, Mich. (Jan. 22, 2026) — Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) celebrated a ribbon cutting for a major expansion at its Ovid campus, marking a significant investment in the City of Ovid and reaffirming the site as MMPA’s flagship production location.
MMPA is investing a total of $47.8 million in the project, which adds a new, highly automated facility dedicated to the production of ultra-filtered (UF) milk—a fast-growing dairy product used in high-protein yogurts and ready-to-drink protein shakes. The project is designed to meet increasing consumer demand for products with more protein, less sugar, and enhanced nutritional value.
“As Ovid’s largest employer and a long-time community partner, MMPA’s continued investment speaks volumes about the strength of our workforce and the city’s commitment to supporting growth,” said Eric Starn, Mayor Pro Tem. “This expansion reinforces Ovid’s role as a vital hub for Michigan’s agriculture industry.”
“Clinton County has long been a cornerstone of Michigan’s dairy industry, and this project demonstrates how innovation and agriculture go hand in hand,” said Bruce DeLong, Chairman of the Clinton County Board of Commissioners. “By expanding ultra-filtered milk production in Ovid, MMPA is helping position Clinton County for long-term growth in high-value food manufacturing.”
The expansion includes a new 11,000-square-foot, highly automated processing facility. Following today’s ribbon cutting, construction and installation activities will continue, with the facility expected to be fully operational mid 2026. Once complete, the upgraded campus will be capable of processing up to 8 million pounds of raw milk annually, including up to 3 million pounds converted into ultra-filtered milk, while creating 13 new higher-skill jobs in the Ovid community. This investment strengthens the region’s ability to convert locally produced milk into high-value, market-ready products.
“Agtech development has been key to LEAP’s overall economic development strategy for the three-county Lansing region and specifically to our contractual services to Clinton County,” said Lansing Economic Area (LEAP) president and CEO Bob Trezise. “Today’s MMPA ribbon cutting of its Ovid facility, like Glanbia in St. Johns, is another important step forward for our agricultural industry. This critical dairy plant expansion is a result of a year’s worth of partnership work between city of Ovid, MEDC, Clinton County and LEAP. We could not be more thrilled and thankful that the great partners of MMPA are choosing to invest in our region, again.”
UF milk earns a premium in the marketplace and generates additional long-term value for MMPA’s member-owners, building on the cooperative’s successful UF milk operations in Constantine, Michigan. By expanding UF capacity in Ovid, MMPA strengthens its ability to compete nationally while keeping production—and jobs—rooted locally. The decision was strongly influenced by state and local incentives, the City of Ovid’s ability to support efficient zoning and permitting approvals, overall project costs, and access to a skilled workforce.
“The support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has been instrumental in helping us move forward with strategic investments that strengthen our cooperative and add value for our member-owners,” said Joe Diglio, President & CEO of MMPA. “By expanding our product mix with cottage cheese and growing our ultrafiltered milk production capacity, we’re not only meeting consumer demand but also supporting the region’s dairy economy for the long term.”
LEAP is proud to support MMPA and the City of Ovid in celebrating this milestone and the collaboration that helped bring it to the finish line. This project reflects the kind of focused partnership that turns local strengths into lasting opportunity, and we look forward to the continued impact it will have for Clinton County and the broader Lansing region.
About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all — working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.
Category: Press Releases, Business Expansion, AgTech