Traverse City Whiskey Co. expansion expected to bring 100 new jobs

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- A Traverse City distillery is expected to add 100 new jobs to the area with an expansion supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund.

The expansion of Traverse City Whiskey Company, the first distillery and bottling plant in downtown Traverse City, is expected to generate a total capital investment of approximately $20 million and create nearly 100 jobs. TCWC currently employs 45 Michigan residents.

It’s made possible by a $750,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

“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,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “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. 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 us move Michigan forward.”

Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Michigan City, Indiana.

According to a press release from the office of the governor, the distiller was selected due to its “rapid growth” since opening its doors back in 2012, which has led to a portion of its annual production being outsourced to out-of-state partners.

“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,” said Chris Fredrickson, Co-Founder and President, TCWC.

TCWC is now looking to repurpose the abandoned Cherry Growers Co-Op cherry processing facility in Leelanau County's Elmwood Township.

Once everything is settled, the space should have a traditional rackhouse, dedicated processing and packaging spaces, administrative offices and a visitor center and tasting room, as well as indoor and outdoor hospitality spaces.

“Elmwood Township is excited that TC Whiskey is revitalizing the former Cherry Growers operations,” said Elmwood Township Supervisor Jeffrey K. Shaw, DC. “The property has been vacant and decaying, and the TC Whiskey project will provide economic opportunity for workers in our area.”

In 2018, TCWC introduced its premium cocktail cherries which have grown to be the leading premium cocktail cherry nationally, sold in all fifty states. In 2019, it opened its first tasting room in Metro Detroit: The Outpost in Ferndale.

Once the facility nears completion, information on careers with TCWC will be available at on its website.