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

 MEDIA CONTACT

Robert Corder Vice President, Attraction Battle Creek Unlimited TEL 269-962-752 corder@bcunlimited.org

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

 MEDIA CONTACT

Robert Corder Vice President, Attraction Battle Creek Unlimited TEL 269-962-752 corder@bcunlimited.org

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

 MEDIA CONTACT

Joe Sobieralski President & CEO Battle Creek Unlimited TEL 269-962-752 sobieralski@bcunlimited.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., –– Musashi Energy Solutions (MES), a leading innovator in energy storage technologies, celebrated the grand opening of its expanded Battle Creek facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 8, 2024. Held at the company’s Brydges Drive location, the event marks the completion of a significant renovation to accommodate new capabilities in the design, testing, and manufacturing of Hybrid SuperCapacitors (HSCs), a critical component in the company’s cutting-edge energy storage solutions.

The event brought together several distinguished guests, including Yusuke Shindo, Consul General of Japan in Detroit; Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited; and Mark Behnke, Mayor of Battle Creek. Offering welcoming remarks were Haru Otsuka, Senior Managing Executive Officer for Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd., and CEO of the Americas, and Frank DeLattre, President of Musashi Energy Solutions – Americas.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Consul General Shindo expressed heartfelt congratulations to Musashi Energy Solutions on the expansion and its significance in the enduring partnership between Michigan and Musashi, a company renowned for its innovation and commitment to excellence. With over 40 years of contributions to Michigan’s economy supporting more than 4,700 jobs in Battle Creek alone, Musashi stands as a key player in the automotive, mobility, and energy sectors.

Battle Creek Unlimited’s Sobieralski noted, “This is an exciting addition to Battle Creek and the Fort Custer Industrial Park. I want to thank Musashi for its continued investment in our community. We appreciate your commitment to Battle Creek and wish you many years of prosperity. Know that as this business grows and you outgrow this facility, as I am certain you will, we have space ready for you here in the Fort Custer Industrial Park for the next big dream.”

Musashi Energy Solutions – Americas President Frank DeLattre added, “As one of Battle Creek’s long-standing employers, we are thrilled to unveil this next chapter in Musashi’s commitment to both innovation and community growth. This expansion allows us to continue delivering groundbreaking energy storage technologies that will play a crucial role in powering data centers, critical infrastructure, and sustainable energy projects across North America. We’re excited to share this milestone with the local community and look forward to the opportunities ahead.”

The expanded facility features state-of-the-art equipment for testing and assembly of HSC cells, a demonstration center for the firm’s new ESS400 Energy Storage Systems, and a dedicated space for ongoing research and development. These advancements will support the growing demand for reliable energy storage in mission-critical applications, including AI-driven data centers, hospitals, and renewable energy systems.

As the demand for energy storage solutions grows, Musashi is poised to play a critical role in meeting that need. According to Markets and Markets research, the global energy storage systems (ESS) market is expected to reach $26 billion by 2029, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing reliance on renewable energy sources. This growth aligns with projections for the U.S. data center market, which is forecast to reach $71.67 billion by 2034, creating significant opportunities for Musashi’s innovative solutions.

In 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) officials met with Musashi executives during their visit to Japan to strengthen the company’s partnership with the State of Michigan, an effort that continues to bear fruit with this expansion.

Cutting the ribbon at the expanded Musashi facility (l to r): Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited; Yusuke Shindo, Consul General of Japan in Detroit; Haru Otsuka, Senior Managing Executive Officer for Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd., and CEO of the Americas; and Frank DeLattre, President of Musashi Energy Solutions – Americas.

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ABOUT MUSASHI ENERGY SOLUTIONS – NORTH AMERICA
With manufacturing and assembly operations located in Japan and Michigan, Musashi Energy Solutions (MES) is a leading manufacturer of Hybrid SuperCapacitors (HSCs) designed specifically for power-hungry data centers. Musashi’s fast-recharge HSC-based ESS400 energy storage systems are ideally suited for data centers, high-performance AI computing, and other demanding operations that require robust, reliable backup power and peak load support. With superior performance across a wide range of operating temperatures, Musashi’s UL-certified HSCs offer a much safer, higher-density, and cost-effective alternative to traditional batteries, ensuring critical systems remain operational and resilient. For more information, visit Musashi Energy Solutions, LinkedIn and X/Twitter.

ABOUT MUSASHI ENERGY SOLUTIONS – JAPAN
Since its founding in 2007, Musashi Energy Solutions has pioneered the development of Hybrid SuperCapacitors, establishing the world’s largest facility for the mass production of prismatic HSC cells. Musashi’s innovative technology is not only sustainable but also poised to revolutionize energy efficiency in next-generation social infrastructure, including data centers, micro-grids, public transportation, and large commercial electric vehicles. With the company’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions, Musashi is leading the charge towards a more sustainable future. https://musashi-es.co.jp/en/

PRESS CONTACT
PJ Jennings
Jennings & Associates Communications, Inc.
TEL 760-431-7466
MOB 760-580-1114
pj@jandacommunications.com

https://wwmt.com/news/local/battle-creek-celebrates-opening-of-newly-renovated-hotel-replacing-mccamly-plaza-double-tree-hilton-hotel-kellogg-arena

WWMT News Channel 3
October 18, 2024

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — A $75 million project years in the making has officially opened in Battle Creek. On Friday, October 18, community members celebrated the grand opening of Doubletree by Hilton, formerly known as the McCamly Plaza Hotel.

“This is a gathering spot, a show piece, and [a point of] pride for the community to bring it to fruition and share it with not only the [Battle Creek] community but the outside community to come and take a new look at Battle Creek,” Battle Creek Unlimited CEO Joe Sobieralski said.
The multi-million investment project had been in the construction phase for three years, according to Sobieralski.

With help from investments by local and state leaders, the renovated, 16-story building is now fully equipped with the following:
• 239 upgraded hotel rooms with city views
• An indoor pool and hot tub
• Newly remodeled banquet center for weddings and events
• Meeting and conference rooms
• Two full scale restaurants
• A cocktail lounge on the 16th floor
• Fine dining space next to restaurant “The Beacon”
• Outdoor green space

“Everything is new when you go in you are going to be like this is a remodel but it feels like a new hotel,” Sobieralski said.

Before reopening as Doubletree by Hilton, the hotel was known as McCamly Plaza. First opened in 1981 as the Stouffer Battle Creek hotel, the building sat vacant for many years before closing in 2019 for code issues.

However, Battle Creek Unlimited soon took over, leading the much-needed renovations that resulted in Friday’s grand re-opening.

Sobieralski hopes Doubletree by Hilton will be an epicenter of business, better connecting the property with Kellogg Arena and other downtown attractions.

“This was important to have the connectivity to the arena,” Sobieralski said. “We want to hold conventions here, we want to bring outsiders in, we want them to spend there dollars, that’s really what we mean by the economic engine. This momentum is going to continue in Battle Creek.

Doubletree by Hilton is expected to create 160 local jobs, according to Sobieralski.