Baby food and baby care products manufacturer Gerber Products Company is launching an expansion project at its Fremont, MI production facility, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced in a release Tuesday. The Nestle subsidiary will invest $36 million over the next two years to move a freeze-dry yogurt line from a West Coast site to the Michigan plant and consolidate a line of purees.

“Gerber’s Fremont facility has been a critical component of our regional economy for decades,” Brigit Klohs, president and chief executive officer of The Right Place Inc., said in a statement. “Beyond providing hundreds of quality advanced manufacturing jobs with competitive wages, Gerber also supports the regional agribusiness industry and has strong relationships with local growers and suppliers. This investment will strengthen Gerber’s presence in the region and position the agribusiness industry for continued growth.”

About 50 new jobs are expected to be created as a result of the expansion. The company plans to invest in further expansions of the Fremont site in coming years to add new product lines and programs, according to MEDC.

The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved an MSF Designated Renaissance Zone for a 10-year period this week to support the effort. Gerber agreed to a Payment in Lieu of Taxes totaling $700,000, which covers 50% of the city taxes abated through the Renaissance Zone.