Arby's

Fremont is a city in Newaygo County, Michigan, located in the west central region of the state approximately 40 miles north of Grand Rapids and 15 miles west of Big Rapids. Serving as the county seat of Newaygo County, Fremont is an important regional center for manufacturing, agriculture, health care, and retail. At the 2020 census, the city had a population of approximately 4,500 residents, while the broader Newaygo County area is home to more than 50,000 people, providing a stable workforce and consumer base for the region. Fremont's economy is anchored by a diverse mix of food processing, manufacturing, agriculture, health care, and retail industries. The city is best known as the headquarters of Gerber Products Company, whose longstanding presence has played a significant role in the community's economic development and earned Fremont the nickname "Baby Food Capital of the World." While ownership has changed over the years, the manufacturing facility remains one of the area's largest employers. Additional regional employers include industrial manufacturers, agricultural operations, health care providers, and educational institutions that contribute to a stable and diversified employment base. Health care and education remain important economic drivers for Fremont and Newaygo County. Corewell Health Gerber Hospital serves as a major regional employer, providing comprehensive medical services to residents throughout west-central Michigan. Fremont Public Schools, nearby colleges, and regional workforce development programs further support education and training opportunities for the local labor force. Fremont also benefits from its proximity to the larger Grand Rapids metropolitan area, one of Michigan's strongest economic regions. Grand Rapids is home to major employers including Corewell Health, Steelcase, Amway, and Meijer, providing additional employment opportunities and strengthening regional economic connectivity. Convenient access via U.S. Route 31 and M-120 allows businesses and residents to benefit from West Michigan's expanding manufacturing, health care, and logistics sectors. With its strong manufacturing heritage, stable employment base, regional health care services, and strategic location near Grand Rapids, Fremont remains an important economic center in west central Michigan. Continued investment in local businesses, infrastructure, and community development positions the city for sustained long-term growth while maintaining the small town character that has defined it for generations..