The City Commission approved an industrial facilities exemption certificate for Snackcraft LLC’s second Kentwood facility after a public hearing and brief remarks from a company representative. City staff said the project is at 4175 Sixtieth Street and involves the eastern half of a 600,000‑square‑foot building; the western half of the building will be occupied by Proper Beverage on roughly 300,000 square feet. Staff reported real‑property investment of $23,700,000; personal property investment was stated as $96,000,000 and is not part of the abatement. The company currently employs about 154 people at its existing Kentwood site at 444450 Second Street; staff said the new location will employ about 77 people.
Joe Riley, speaking for Snackcraft, said the new facility will focus on baked and extruded snack products and that tariffs and increased freight costs have driven European partners to accelerate locating production in the U.S. After the public hearing was opened and closed with no public comments, the commission voted to approve the industrial facilities exemption certificate. The clerk called the roll and commissioners voted in favor; the resolution passed.