LANSING – State Rep. John Chirkun (D-Roseville) testified before the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) today in support of a tax incentive for Lipari Foods to allow them to construct a 252,000 square foot freezer, warehouse and truck terminal in Warren that will also contain a USDA-approved production space for food processing and other light food manufacturing. The project is expected to result in a total capital investment of $39.4 million and create 337 jobs. The MSF approved the request.

“This important project would be a huge boost to the city of Warren and particularly to the communities in the south end of the city,” said Chirkun. “From talking with residents, I know that their biggest concerns are jobs and the economy. This project will result in jobs with wages that would average more than $20 per hour. This is great news for these communities and the surrounding businesses.”

The MSF approved a $1.9 million tax capture to remediate property that previously housed automotive salvage yards. Once the facility is built, Lipari Foods will then enter into a 15 year lease for the facility.

“I thank the Michigan Strategic Fund for considering and approving this incentive to boost the local economy in South Macomb,” said Chirkun. “I also thank Thom Lipari and the rest of the Lipari Foods team for their investment and commitment to our community, and to the city government of Warren for making this possible.”