Michigan Brand Inc., based in Bay City, Mich., has announced plans to open a new location in Frankenmuth. The company, which makes jerky, sausage and ham products, specializes in jerky for private labels, as well as the Beef Jerky Outlet franchises.

Michigan Brand is experiencing "rapid growth" at its Bay City location, 1313 S. Farragut, and company officials plan to expand into a second, existing facility located at 320 Heinlein in Frankenmuth, investing nearly $4.8 million and creating 94 jobs, reports Mlive.com.

Plant Manager Joe Grillo said "jerky sales have really taken off," and Michigan Brand outgrew its Bay City facility, despite an addition made about four years ago.

He said growth of the Beef Jerky Outlet franchise is a primary reason for this expansion. 

"Those are just exploding all over the country right now," he said. 

Grillo's father, Mike Grillo, owns Michigan Brand and is a co-owner of the Beef Jerky Outlet franchise.

Source: Mlive.com