Michigan Sugar Co. recently wrapped up its second season of public tours at its sugarbeet processing facility in Bay City. Plans are now being made for Season 3.
"Our 2018-2019 tour season proved to be busier than ever. Interest in tours and learning more about Michigan Sugar Company has continued to grow, and we are so glad to accommodate as many people as possible," said Elizabeth Taylor, who oversees the plant tour program as the company's ag relations and communications manager. "We have a unique opportunity to educate our community members on agriculture, food processing and food packaging all in one tour. Our Bay City factory has been part of the area's landscape for more than 110 years and we are always excited to show people what we do."
Taylor said this year marked the introduction of a newly renovated Factory Tour Welcome and Education Center.
"With the tremendous growth of our tour program, we needed a dedicated space for greeting visitors and starting the tour," Taylor said. "Our new Welcome and Education Center is a wonderful room for people to learn more about our cooperative while waiting for the tour. Working with ZENTX Media Group of Freeland, we designed a room that is fun, educational and hands-on."
The third season of public tours is set to begin in September. Michigan Sugar Co. will begin scheduling tours in August and posting available dates online at michigansugar.com/factory-tours/. Reminders also will be posted on the company's Facebook page.
The guided tours last about 60 minutes and all those who take part leave with a special 2-pound bag of Michigan Sugar Co.'s white granulated Pioneer Sugar, as well as their choice of a Pete or Betty Beet plush toy.