Bowers Aluminum in Battle Creek, Michigan, is planning to expand its manufacturing operations in Battle Creek’s Ft. Custer Industrial Park.
Bowers’ current facility began operating in Battle Creek in 2018. The proposed 70,000 square foot expansion would double the company’s current footprint. This potential expansion would allow the company to expand its processes to include extrusion and fabrication, generating additional jobs and investment in the Battle Creek community.
Bowers provides contract anodizing and fabrication services for aluminum products to manufacturing companies, offering the capability of Type II sulfuric anodize up to 180 inches in length and can accommodate aluminum extrusions, stamping’s, castings, screw machine parts and most sheet and plate. They also offer bright dip and black dye if required. Their anodizing operations serve multiple sectors, including automotive, healthcare, appliance manufacturing, and office furniture.
Bowers will seek a local tax-abatement for the project that would generate more than $7,800,000 in investments at the site. Bowers says it would hire a minimum of 17 new employees over the next 12 months.
“We are excited about the possibility of expanding in Battle Creek. We will put an emphasis on hiring local” says Jon Bowers, owner of the company. “When possible, we will hire locals because it benefits both of us. Local employees add value to our overall economy. Also, if they are closer to our facility, it is more likely that they will stay and grow with our company.”
Bowers Aluminum President Jim Busch said the addition of an extrusion press would give them the chance to increase revenue by setting up to serve more customers buying component parts, and also to anodize those parts to a finished product.
“We are pleased that Bowers is considering an expansion here in Battle Creek. Bowers Aluminum is a local company that continues to show commitment to the City of Battle Creek. This potential expansion sends a signal to local companies and potential new companies that Battle Creek is the right place to do business.” said Shabaka Gibson, Vice President at Battle Creek Unlimited, which is a private, nonprofit corporation serving as the business and economic development arm for the City of Battle Creek.
