Supply chain management firm Bay Logistics has established a new distribution center in Battle Creek. The company, which provides warehousing and 3rd-party logistics services, recently acquired the property at 300 Fritz Keiper Blvd. in the Fort Custer Industrial Park. The 107,560-square foot property sits on 13.8 acres. It was originally occupied by Koyo Corporation of Japan, which began operations in 1989. Most recently, the facility housed DENSO Air Systems.

The facility has state-of-the-art technology and has ample storage space, allowing for the efficient handling of a diverse range of products. The facility is climate controlled, has multiple exterior and interior docks, multiple ceiling cranes and 24’ ceilings.

With this expansion, Bay Logistics aims to strengthen its market presence in the Midwest, tapping into the area’s growing demand for logistics and distribution services. The move not only reflects Bay Logistics’ commitment to growth and innovation but also positions it to meet the evolving needs of its customers in an increasingly competitive landscape.

With quick access to major highways and rail networks, the Battle Creek location offers access to making it an ideal hub for both inbound and outbound logistics operations. This strategic advantage will allow Bay Logistics to optimize its transportation routes, reduce shipping costs, and enhance overall service delivery.

As the company continues to expand its footprint, the Battle Creek distribution center will play a crucial role in supporting its long-term growth objectives and reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the logistics industry.

For more information about Bay Logistics, visit baylogistics.com.

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ABOUT BATTLE CREEK UNLIMITED
Established in 1972, Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is a private, non-profit corporation which serves as the economic development arm for the City of Battle Creek. BCU manages the Fort Custer Industrial Park, which is home to nearly 90 businesses, including more than two dozen international companies, and employs over 13,000 people. BCU’s mission is to build a strong community by driving strategic investment and job creation in Battle Creek. For more information, visit www.bcunlimited.org

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Congratulations to Clark Logic, which recently acquired the building at the corner of Fritz Keiper Blvd and Denso Road in the Fort Custer Industrial Park. Built in 1998, the 96,000-square foot industrial property is situated on 5 acres. The building was previously occupied by Toyota Tsusho.

Clark Logic, based in Portage, Michigan, provides warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment services to a wide variety of regional clients. This is the company’s second property in the Fort Custer Industrial Park. Clark Logic acquired the 90,000-square foot facility at 5251 Wayne Road in late 2023. The new building gives them expanded capacity to meet the growing demand for warehouse space.

Battle Creek’s Fort Custer Industrial Park is the largest facility of its kind in Michigan. Comprised of 3,000 acres, it is home to nearly 90 businesses, including more than two dozen international companies, representing Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, German, and Japan. These companies collectively employ approximately 13,000 people. The park is managed by Battle Creek Unlimited, the City of Battle Creek’s economic development partner.

To learn more about Clark Logic and their services, visit clarklogic.com.

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ABOUT BATTLE CREEK UNLIMITED
Established in 1972, Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is a private, non-profit corporation which serves as the economic development arm for the City of Battle Creek. BCU manages the Fort Custer Industrial Park, which is home to nearly 90 businesses, including more than two dozen international companies, and employs over 13,000 people. BCU’s mission is to build a strong community by driving strategic investment and job creation in Battle Creek. For more information, visit www.bcunlimited.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU), was recently recognized by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business as the top Newsmakers of the Year in the Hospitality category. Mr. Sobieralski was singled out for his leadership on the redevelopment of the DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek.

Mr. Sobieralski joined newsmaker award recipients across sixteen categories, each with three finalists. More than 350 business leaders gathered at Amway Grand Plaza hotel on Thursday, March 6 for the awards ceremony which recognized West Michigan executives behind the biggest headlines in 2024 as chosen by the Crain’s editorial staff.

The DoubleTree project began in November 2020 when BCU assumed ownership of the property through 50 Capital Ave Development Corp. The facility, then known as the McCamly Plaza Hotel, is located in the heart of downtown Battle Creek. It originally opened in 1981 as the Stouffer Hotel and is adjacent to the Kellogg Arena, a 6,000-seat multiuse facility. Financing for the $75 million project was made possible via senior and junior debt, layered with generous state, local and philanthropic contributions. 6PM Hospitality of Zeeland, Michigan manages the day-to-day operations of the facility.

The project included the demolition of the adjoining 2-story commercial/retail space. The 16-story building now features:
•  247 upgraded hotel rooms with city views
•  An indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center
•  Remodeled ballroom
•  Meeting and conference rooms
•  “The Alloy,” a casual restaurant known for hearty meals and welcoming atmosphere
•  “50 Beacon,” cocktail lounge on the 16th floor with an artisanal small plate menu
•  “ReVus,” the hotel’s first floor cocktail bar
•  A new atrium and outdoor green space

The DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek is expected to be a catalyst for future growth and development. The facility will serve as a destination, attracting visitors to places downtown like Kellogg Arena, Kellogg Auditorium, and the Rink, while supporting local businesses across Battle Creek.

As part of the project, BCU created The Suite Collaborative, a program focused on developing careers in hospitality and culinary arts. This initiative combines classroom learning with on-the-job training and is being developed in partnership with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, Kellogg Community College, Grand Valley State University, the Calhoun Area Career Center, and Battle Creek Public Schools. The facility’s classroom will also provide English as a second language courses.

Erick Stewart, Chair of the BCU Board of Directors said, “Congratulations to Joe and his team at BCU for all their efforts to bring the project to fruition and returning this property to its former glory. The DoubleTree by Hilton is a wonderful addition to Battle Creek. It is exciting to see so many people visiting downtown and experiencing the facility. I am eagerly looking forward to the warm weather when we can enjoy the outdoor patio space. We are grateful to Crain’s Grand Rapids Business for including Joe on their annual list of newsmakers.”

“It is truly an honor to be recognized but this recognition extends well beyond myself or BCU. This was a huge community lift with many organizations and respective staff stepping up to make a vision a reality,” said Sobieralski. “I want to thank the many Board Members, staff members, and generous financial contributors for making this project a headliner for the Battle Creek community.”

Crain’s Grand Rapids Business is a weekly periodical which covers Southwest Michigan’s business community. The 2024 Newsmakers of the Year recognized more than fifty individuals in sixteen categories, including Economic Development, Finance, Health Care, Manufacturing, and Real Estate & Construction.

The full list of the Crain’s Grand Rapids Business 2024 Newsmakers is available here: https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/meet-crains-newsmakers-for-2024/

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ABOUT BATTLE CREEK UNLIMITED
Established in 1972, Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is a private, non-profit corporation which serves as the economic development arm for the City of Battle Creek. BCU manages the Fort Custer Industrial Park, which is home to nearly 90 businesses, including more than two dozen international companies, and employs over 13,000 people. BCU’s mission is to build a strong community by driving strategic investment and job creation in Battle Creek. For more information, visit www.bcunlimited.org

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