Nestlé Waters North America Releases Economic Impact Study for Michigan

STANWOOD, Mich., Aug. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestlé Waters North America today announced the results of a new study detailing the economic benefits that its Ice Mountain^® Natural Spring Water brand brings to the area surrounding its Michigan plant and throughout the state. 

Lansing-based research and consulting firm Public Sector Consultants (PSC) conducted the study, which examined Nestlé Waters' contributions in three key areas – employment, economic output and taxes. According to the study, Nestlé Waters' Michigan presence results in a total of 765 jobs created statewide and more than $160 million in economic activity, putting more money in the pockets of Michigan residents and small businesses. The company's economic activity generates nearly $5 million each year that support state and local taxes, which fund local schools, fire and police departments, local parks and other essential public services. 

"Our research and findings show Nestlé Waters' economic contribution to Michigan goes well beyond its investment in Mecosta and Osceola Counties," said Jeff Guilfoyle, Vice President, Public Sector Consultants. "There is a waterfall effect of economic activity that occurs due to the company's initial spending and employment. Nestlé Waters' direct employees spend their money with Michigan businesses whose employees, in turn, support more Michigan businesses and their employees. It all leads to significant positive economic contributions thanks to Nestlé Waters North America's commitment to the state."

Mecosta County Development Corporation President James Sandy added: "We've known for years that Nestlé is a driver of economic activity in our region, providing jobs and investments benefitting the people of Western Michigan. The PSC study further demonstrates the depth and breadth of their commitment to the state." 

Among the study's other findings include Nestlé Waters' economic investment in the five-county region of Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola Counties. The company directly employs 242 residents of those counties. In addition, the company's economic contribution (monies spent on wages, vendors, donations, etc.) of $18.6 million includes nearly $2.4 million in state and local taxes paid.

Rapidly growing consumer demand for bottled water has driven the economic growth of the Ice Mountain^® brand. In October 2016, Nestlé Waters announced a $36 million capital investment in its Ice Mountain^® bottling plant. As part of the expansion, a new water bottling line has been installed, creating an additional 20 jobs at the plant, as well as an additional 41 jobs indirectly throughout Michigan. This expansion will also bring the company's total economic activity in Mecosta and Osceola counties to $14.2 million annually and nearly $170 million statewide.  

"We are proud to be making a difference in the community we all call home by serving as Mecosta county's ninth largest employer and paying our workers on average more than the state's median income," said Dave Sommer, Factory Manager, Nestlé Waters North America. "Our Stanwood factory is a boon for the area's labor force, where we employ approximately 280 people and have a total payroll of nearly $16 million annually. As we continue to grow, we are committed to being both a good neighbor and one of the best employers in the area."   

A copy of the study is available for viewing here. An infographic summarizing Nestlé Waters' impact in Michigan can be viewed here.

About Ice Mountain: Since 2002, Ice Mountain^® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water has invested in Michigan and created jobs using an abundant, renewable resource. The Stanwood, Michigan Ice Mountain^® bottling facility sources natural spring water from three locations, including Evart Springs in Evart, White Pine Springs in Osceola Township (Osceola County) and Sanctuary Springs in Mecosta County. Today, Ice Mountain^®, a brand of Nestlé Waters North America, provides approximately 280 jobs to the people of Michigan. Ice Mountain^® has also:

• Donated more than $500,000 to fund multiple projects to improve the health of the Muskegon River watershed;
• Funded the replacement of two wells in Evart totaling more than $2 million;
• Partnered with Walmart and other beverage companies to pledge a combined 6.5 million bottles of water to Flint public schools and established recycling infrastructure and awareness programs to support the school community.

About Public Sector Consultants (PSC): Founded in 1979, Public Sector Consultants is an objective, nonpartisan research and consulting firm. PSC's implementation, facilitation, evaluation and research services have been used by hundreds of local, state and federal government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private businesses to help better people's lives in Michigan and beyond.

About Nestlé Waters North America:  Nestlé Waters North America provides people with an unrivaled portfolio of bottled waters for healthy hydration. Brands such as Ice Mountain^® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water, Nestlé^® Pure Life^® purified water, Perrier^® sparkling mineral water, and S. Pellegrino^® sparkling natural mineral water have driven Nestlé Waters North America to be the third largest non-alcoholic beverage company by volume in the U.S. Based in Stamford, Connecticut with some 8,500 employees nationwide, Nestlé Waters North America is committed to reducing its environmental footprint across its operations. As a natural resource company, Nestlé Waters North America sustainably manages nearly 50 spring sites, as well as nearly 14,000 acres of watershed as open space. The company is also committed to creating shared value and being a good neighbor in the 140 communities where it operates in the U.S.

SOURCE Nestlé Waters North America

Related Links

http://www.nestle-watersna.com