New tenant, ITI, at Willow Run GM facility to create 25 jobs

With the promise of investment and new jobs, locally owned International Turbine Industries (ITI) will soon bring back to life 23,000 square feet of a 300-acre Willow Run property. RACER Trust, the organization tasked with remediating and positioning for redevelopment former GM locations, announced the agreement with ITI to purchase the former General Motors Willow Run Company Vehicle Operations facility in early April. 

 

"I applaud Mark and Rhonda Andrews for their commitment to Michigan," says RACER Trust Redevelopment Manager Bruce Rasher of the ITI owners. "They had opportunities elsewhere but wanted to stay and grow at Willow Run. I'm very pleased that we were able to play a role in that decision."

 

ITI is expected to invest $50,000 into the facility and add 25 new jobs to their current staff of 10. The company specializes in engine repair, overhaul and inspection of jet engines. Andrews has worked at or near Willow Run Airport since 1988. RACER says the decision to grow his company in Michigan was based on giving his employees the chance to stay in the area.

 

More than 300 acres and a 5-million-square-foot facility remain for sale at the site. RACER will continue to market the property. 

 

"Our goal is to do what the community has asked us to do," says Rasher, "attract new jobs and economic activity to the site as soon as possible. We have had, and continue to have, discussions with several interested parties from a variety of sectors."

 

Rasher says he's been impressed with the level of engagement and partnership of local elected officials and economic development organizations during the marketing of the Willow Run properties. 

 

"They've been great to work with," he says. "They very clearly see the potential of Willow Run and are just as active and energized as we are about the future of that site."