ZEELAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jul. 7, 2026) – Another step in Mead Johnson’s efforts to upgrade its baby formula production facilities in Zeeland was taken on Monday evening.
During the biweekly business meeting, the City Council held a public hearing ahead of approving the vacating a dead-end portion of Division Street, north of Main Avenue, in order for the nutrition company to move forward on a planned $836 million expansion and modernization of its Reckett complex off of East Main and Fairview Avenue. Mead Johnson already owns all of the property around the targeted closure area, and City Community Development Director Tim Maday, in his memorandum to Council members on the matter, recommended approval of this request.
The Zeeland Planning Commission has already approved the site plan, which includes about 619,000 square feet of new industrial buildings, to be constructed in several phases over a multiple-year period. Neighbors have expressed concerns about increased traffic and noise, as well as converting residential property to industrial use, and the site plan has apparently taken those issues into account.
In addition, City Manager Tim Klunder, who has been battling cancer, has asked for short-term disability status while he continues his treatment. Council has named current Assistant City Manager Kevin Plockmeyer as interim city manager during Klunder’s absence, with a subsequent adjustment in his pay to reflect his increased responsibilities. It’s the second time that Plockmeyer has had to fill in for Klunder due to illness.
The Zeeland City Council had a 6:15 PM Work-Study Session, ahead of the 7 PM business meeting, both in Chambers at Zeeland City Hall (21 S. Elm St.). An online link to the agenda and supporting documents is here.
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