Looking to expand your client-base and increase sales? Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) can assist food and beverage manufacturers in equipping their kitchens or product floors with the Industry 4.0 technologies that will assist their growth.
About E.A.T.
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development is seeking small, packaged food and beverage producers who are looking to purchase new Industry 4.0 equipment to expand their operations and take their business to the next level.
This 2025 grant will pay 75%, up to $5,000 in reimbursements, for one item you are looking to purchase.
For example:
- For a $15,000 piece of equipment, businesses will pay $10,000 and MCPED will pay $5,000.
- For a $5,000 piece of equipment, businesses will pay $1,250 and MCPED will pay $3,750.
Note: This grant does not apply to already purchased items, nor does it include the costs for setup or installation. This is strictly for Industry 4.0 equipment only.
Important dates
- Applications open noon on Monday, June 2
- Applications close noon Friday, August 1 or until funds are exhausted.
- Please make sure you fill out the application to the best of your ability.
- Missing documents could result in denial.
- Receipts due by Monday, December 1
- This does not include purchase orders or invoices.
Who is eligible?
Eligible businesses are food and/or agriculture manufacturers who meet the following requirements:
- Package food or beverage producer – wholesale or distribution
- Located in Macomb County
- Under $2 million in annual sales
- Must be brick and mortar
- No cottage food law
Note: Manufacturers that produce THC products are not eligible.
Required documentation for application
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) license
- Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) registration
- Link to equipment you wish to purchase
- Profit Loss Statement from 2024
- Logo of your business
Examples
Here are some ways a food and beverage manufacturer may utilize this grant with I4.0 technologies:
- Website updates.
- Cobotics/Robotics: typical for the end-of-line packaging or bottle, can, box movement.
- Temperature sensors for continuous sensing and feedback loops, ensuring temperature compliance.
- Label and barcode scanning for in-process verification. An automated system for tracking products and inventory control.
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): typically, for real-time equipment monitoring, inventory control, production scheduling, reliability, and quality control.
- Automated movement of product: typically, with conveyance and product movement.
- Visual inline inspection: measuring the inline label location and adherence to bottles, cans, or boxes.
- Automated washing systems: for cans, bottles, and brewing/cooking vessels.
Questions?
Questions about the grant and application process can be directed to our economic development team, at planning@macombgov.org, or call 586-469-5285.
For more information on Industry 4.0 and the 9 pillars, visit the Macomb Next website.