News & Announcements Archives

Company Spotlight : Geislinger Corporation

July 24, 2025 by Heather Ignash

Introducing our July Company Spotlight – Geislinger Corporation

With roots in Austria and a global reputation for innovation, Geislinger Corporation has been a proud part of the Battle Creek community since establishing its North American headquarters here in 2001. A proud family-owned and multigenerational company, Geislinger is a world market leader for innovative powertrain solutions and built to last products for all kinds of high-performance drivelines. The product portfolio includes torsional vibration dampers, torsional elastic, high damping couplings, misalignment couplings, composite shaft lines, torsional vibration monitoring systems and digital solutions. Their innovative solutions are trusted across a wide range of industries, including marine, power generation, rail, construction, wind and renewable energy, industrial applications, mining and motorsports.

Geislinger’s Battle Creek operation serves as a critical hub for manufacturing, sales, and service across North and South America. Their solutions are known for durability, efficiency, and sustainability, supporting their customers in reducing emissions, extending equipment lifespan, and improving operational performance. When servicing their customers, the team at Geislinger combines deep engineering expertise with a commitment to quality.

Geislinger also shows commitment to strengthening their community and upskilling our local workforce. Geislinger invests in local talent and training, working with educational partners to build strong programming in skilled trades, promoting apprenticeships as a lucrative and viable career pathway, and participating in local groups to provide resources to the community and fellow manufacturers. The company actively supports workforce development initiatives such as internships, the Goodwill Connects Program, GoingPro, MiSTEM/MiStairs, and Craftsmen with Character—reinforcing its dedication to creating opportunities and empowering the next generation of skilled workers. With strong ties to the Fort Custer Industrial Park and the broader business community, Geislinger continues to grow its U.S. footprint while remaining dedicated to the Battle Creek region.

To learn more about Geislinger visit: https://www.geislinger.us

###

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 – COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Heather Ignash

Economic Development Specialist

Battle Creek Unlimited

TEL 269-229-7310

ignash@bcunlimited.org

Company Spotlight : Prairie Farms Dairy

June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 by Heather Ignash

Introducing our June Company Spotlight – Prairie Farms Dairy!

Prairie Farms is a cooperative owned by over 600 farming families, dedicated to fresh products, sustainability, and animal care since 1938. Their offerings undergo rigorous quality control and are free from antibiotics and artificial growth hormones. The Prairie Farms Dairy’s Battle Creek facility, situated at 126 Brady Road, is a significant operation within this farmer-owned cooperative, and was established in the Fort Custer Industrial Park in 2003. This plant processes millions of pounds of milk weekly, sourced from 11 local dairy farms, and produces a diverse range of milk products and iced coffee.

*Steve London, General Manager, and the Prairie Farms Mascot*

In 2018, Prairie Farms invested nearly $29 million to expand the Battle Creek plant, introducing a cutting-edge ultra-high-temperature (UHT) pasteurization line. This advancement makes it the only Prairie Farms facility capable of producing UHT milk products in plastic bottles. The UHT process enhances the shelf life of milk and cream, enabling wider distribution throughout the U.S. In 2024, the Battle Creek plant earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards at the World Dairy Expo Product Contest in the Flavored UHT Milk category, showcasing that investing in efficiency does not mean compromising flavor.

Additionally, the local plant engages with organizations to give back to the community – such as the South Michigan Food Bank and Charitable Union. In collaboration with Milk Means More, the Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, and the Battle Creek Community Foundation, the plant also organizes family-friendly events like milk and cookie giveaways, aimed at bringing the community together and promoting the nutritional benefits of dairy. The plant takes pride in sponsoring the city’s yearly “National Cereal Festival,” in addition to supplying the milk, to honor the city’s history.

*A volunteer pours Prairie Farms Milk at the 2025 Cereal Festival.*

The Battle Creek facility plays a crucial role in bolstering local agriculture and supplying high-quality dairy products all over the Midwest. Learn more about Prairie Farms, their products, and even get recipes at: https://www.prairiefarms.com/.

###

MEDIA CONTACT – COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Heather Ignash

Economic Development Specialist

Battle Creek Unlimited

TEL 269-229-7310

ignash@bcunlimited.org

DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek Wins Hilton’s 2024 Americas Development Award

June 12, 2025 by Heather Ignash

PRESS RELEASE

DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek Wins Hilton’s 2024 Americas Development Award

06/12/2025

BATTLE CREEK, MICH – The DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek has been honored with the 2024 Hilton Americas Development Award. This accolade celebrates the achievements of owners, development partners, and hotel teams in various categories throughout the Americas, and serves to highlight the dedication and innovative spirit of Hilton’s owners and team members, who truly embody the meaning of hospitality.

Over the course of the 2024 year, Hilton opened over 400 hotels in the Americas across their brand portfolio. Among these hotels, 49 winners were selected based on several criteria including commitment to quality projects and impact on local communities, among others. The DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek won in the DoubleTree brand in the Conversion category.

President & CEO of BCU, Joe Sobieralski, stated: “We’re honored to be recognized for this redevelopment effort that plays a key role in driving economic growth in downtown Battle Creek. Revitalizing this property was about more than just a building—it was about creating jobs, attracting investment, and building momentum for the future of our city. This wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of our community and partners, whose support turned vision into reality. We’re thankful to Hilton for the recognition and congratulate our fellow honorees.”

Opening in October of 2024, the DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek was made possible with over $50 million in contributions from 13 community partners. Formerly the McCamly hotel, the property features a completely renovated and modern space with 247 rooms including suites, a full-service restaurant (“The Alloy”), a high-rise bar and lounge with sweeping city views (“50 Beacon”), over 16,000 square feet of meeting & event space. The property is also situated on an attractive green space in the heart of Downtown Battle Creek. In addition to serving as an attractive destination for guests and the public, it also serves as a teaching hotel to advance hospitality careers and educational opportunities with key local partners and educational institutions.

You can learn more about the hotel, room booking, and events on the official Hilton website for the property at: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/azocrdt-doubletree-battle-creek/.

Learn more about the awards here: https://stories.hilton.com/releases/winners-of-hiltons-2024-americas-development-awards-announced.

###

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 and manages the Fort Custer Industrial Park. The Fort Custer Industrial Park is home to over 80 businesses, including 25 international companies, and employs over 13,000 people. BCU’s mission is to build a strong community by driving strategic investment and job creation. Visit BCUnlimited.org for more info.

MEDIA CONTACT

Joe Sobieralski

President & CEO

Battle Creek Unlimited

www.bcunlimited.org

TEL 269-962-7526

sobieralski@bcunlimited.org

Company Spotlight : Gallagher Uniform

May 8, 2025 by Heather Ignash

We’re excited to kick off our Company Spotlight series with Gallagher Uniform.

Founded in 1893 in Detroit as “Detroit Waste Works, Inc.,” Gallagher Uniform opened a second plant in Battle Creek in 1937 to service Kellogg Company uniforms. While Detroit remained the primary location until 1975, Battle Creek became Gallagher’s official home after the Detroit operation was sold. Since then, their focus on customer satisfaction, personalized service, and a wide selection of workwear has earned them a trusted name in the industry for over 130 years.

Now five generations strong, this family-owned business provides custom uniforms, safety apparel, corporate wear, and facility services like floor mats, towels, and restroom supplies. They serve a wide range of industries with their rentals, including healthcare, pharmaceutical, food manufacturing, automotive, and general manufacturing, across West and Mid-Michigan, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Northern Indiana. Their focus? Durability, comfort, and professionalism.

Gallagher Uniform has built a reputation as a reliable partner for businesses to present a polished image while keeping employees looking and feeling their best.

Gallagher isn’t just dedicated to its customers, they’re deeply invested in their people and community, too. From supporting local organizations like the United Way and the Battle Creek Community Foundation to expanding their facility for greater efficiency, they’re always working to grow the right way. They’re also proud members of key industry networks

like Apparel Services Network, CSC Network, and TRSA, so they’re always learning, innovating, and bringing those best practices back to the businesses they serve. Their dedication to fostering a robust company culture, emphasizing the employee experience, reflects their foundational values. This commitment guarantees that, alongside delivering a high-quality product, they also offer an exceptional place to work right here in Battle Creek.

To discover more about Gallagher Uniform, including their services and multi-generational history, visit their website at: https://www.gallagheruniform.com/.

###

MEDIA CONTACT – COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Heather Ignash

Economic Development Specialist

Battle Creek Unlimited

TEL 269-229-7310

ignash@bcunlimited.org

Bay Logistics Opens Distribution Center in Fort Custer

March 14, 2025 by Paula Young

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.

###

MEDIA CONTACT

Robert Corder

Vice President, Attraction

Battle Creek Unlimited

TEL 269-962-752

corder@bcunlimited.org

Clark Logic Acquires Fort Custer Warehouse Property

March 12, 2025 by Paula Young

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.

###

MEDIA CONTACT

Robert Corder

Vice President, Attraction

Battle Creek Unlimited

TEL 269-962-752

corder@bcunlimited.org

BCU President & CEO Named One of 2024 Newsmakers of the Year by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business

March 6, 2025 by Paula Young

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/

###

MEDIA CONTACT

Joe Sobieralski

President & CEO

Battle Creek Unlimited

TEL 269-962-752

sobieralski@bcunlimited.org

DIMOR Group Plans New JUNKERS Factory in Battle Creek, Michigan

February 20, 2025 by Paula Young

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 20, 2025

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Led by passionate aviator and chairman Dieter Morszeck, DIMOR Group will invest an additional $12M into the WACO Aircraft Corporation’s campus to build a brand-new JUNKERS Aircraft factory in Battle Creek, Michigan. This investment reinforces the DIMOR Group’s commitment to the region’s economic development and the U.S. production of its handcrafted, open-cockpit airplanes and the nearly $30M DIMOR Group previously invested in the campus to date.

Preparatory work at the Battle Creek Executive Airport site is underway with the 45,000 square-foot addition expected to be completed this August. The factory plans include state-of-the-art machinery, assembly fixtures, and all-new tooling to allow for increased metal forming and machining capabilities needed to support aircraft production. The site is already home to WACO Aircraft Corporation, builder of bespoke, open-cockpit biplanes, and CENTENNIAL Aircraft Services, a full-service fixed base operator offering fuel sales, pilot amenities, and general aircraft services.

Merging historical aviation designs with modern luxurious touches, JUNKERS Aircraft models are assembled entirely by hand using parts and assemblies currently manufactured by the company’s sister facility in Oberndorf, Germany. The new Battle Creek facility will allow JUNKERS Aircraft to manufacture its own parts and sub-assemblies, further integrating the production processes and supporting the local economy with the creation of approximately 40 production and assembly jobs over the next five years.

“With this substantial investment from our founder Dieter Morszeck, JUNKERS Aircraft in the United States is extremely excited to expand our footprint in Southwest Michigan. We’re in the business of building and selling aircraft, but at our core, the mission really is to spread the passion for aviating in its purest form,” said Sergio Barreto, CEO of DIMOR Group.
“The vintage aesthetic of the JUNKERS A50 Junior and other models combines modern, luxurious features with stunning, classic designs. By investing in the latest technology and tooling at our soon-to-be 150,000 square-foot facility, we’ll continue to combine innovation with the handcrafted workmanship WACO Aircraft is already known for worldwide.”

Battle Creek Unlimited supported JUNKERS Aircraft in identifying Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. as its construction partner and navigating municipal project approvals. To meet the labor demand, DIMOR Group plans to work with the Regional Manufacturing Technology Center at Kellogg Community College, allowing JUNKERS Aircraft to reinvest in its current workforce with additional skills training and ongoing hiring initiatives.

Concurrent with the acquisition of WACO Aircraft Corporation in 2018, DIMOR Group was formed as a strategic holding company to enable both WACO & JUNKERS Aircraft to preserve and promote historically significant aircraft brands from the golden age of aviation, offering discerning aviators the opportunity to pilot reimagined classics built to the latest engineering and safety standards.

For more information about JUNKERS Aircraft and its Battle Creek expansion, visit http://www.wacoaircraft.com/news.

###

Media Contacts:
Wanda Myrick
DIMOR Group
wmyrick@dimorgroup.com
269.565.1000

Heather Isch
LKF Marketing
mediareleases@lkfmarketing.com
269.349.4440

About JUNKERS Aircraft
JUNKERS Aircraft is dedicated to reviving the legacy of aviation pioneer Hugo Junkers by producing historically inspired aircraft that combine classic design with modern technology. With facilities in both Germany and the United States, the company is committed to delivering exceptional flying experiences to aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

About The DIMOR Group

The DIMOR Group is the leader in building unique handcrafted airplanes, offering numerous WACO and JUNKERS models. Our planes blend classic design and aesthetics with contemporary functionality and modern performance to provide the ultimate sense of adventure and freedom to aviation enthusiasts around the world.