Case Studies

This project serves as an example of capturing growth opportunities that already exist within the community, demonstrating ways in which adaptively reusing obsolete buildings can mutually benefit both the industrial user and the local community. The City of Grand Rapids recognized this opportunity, proactively streamlining their zoning and approval processes to be nimble and reasonable when development opportunities such as HexArmor’s relocation arise.

This is a useful example for communities that are cautious about industrial development, because it shows what a lot of “modern industrial” has become: controlled, high-value technical work that supports manufacturing, without looking or operating like a traditional heavy plant. UL’s Auburn Hills facility is built specifically for advanced battery testing and engineering, which is the kind of work EV and energy-storage companies need to move products through validation and certification.

The Ultium Cells battery manufacturing facility in Delta Township represents one of the most significant industrial investments in Michigan in recent decades. Developed to support the rapidly evolving electric vehicle supply chain, the project reflects the scale, complexity, and infrastructure demands that increasingly define modern industrial development.

The GM Orion Assembly facility shows how existing sites can be modernized to fit the needs of today’s industrial landscape. The project also shows that industrial attraction is really only part of the story. Retention and reinvestment are critical components of industrial development, and they often hinge on whether or not a community can align zoning, approvals, and infrastructure to meet production timelines while staying true to the goals of the community.