Area Development
Traverse City Whiskey Co., a distiller of bourbon and whiskey and producer of premium cocktail cherry garnishes, is expanding its operations in Traverse City, Michigan. The $20 million project is expected to create 100 jobs.

The company purchased and has begun to repurpose the abandoned Cherry Growers Co-Op cherry processing facility where it will accommodate every step in the production process and meet increasing demand for its products. The new location will allow TCWC to offer support to other craft whiskey distilleries that are in need of capacity for their own growing brands.

“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.

The project is being supported by a $750,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition, Elmwood Township offered a property tax abatement in support of the project, and plans to offer staff time in support of the project.

“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,” noted Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

At TCWC’s current facility in Traverse City, the company operates the Stillhouse tasting room that has become a popular destination for tens of thousands of area residents and visitors each year.

“Michigan’s craft beverage industry is on the grow. Businesses like Traverse City Distillery directly contribute to economic development and jobs creation with our local communities while creating markets for our farmers,” added Jenelle Jagmin, executive director, Michigan Craft Beverage Council. “I appreciate the ongoing support and investment from Governor Whitmer, MEDC and other partners into the state’s robust craft beverage industry.”