William A. Kibbe & Associates is providing architectural and engineering design services at a 70-acre manufacturing complex in northwest Detroit, Michigan, known as the Gateway Industrial Center.
Archival photo of tractor assembly line
This site has a rich history as the former home of Massey Ferguson – one of the world’s largest agricultural manufacturing companies, known for their iconic tractors. The Detroit plant was built in 1948 and during its heyday was capable of producing over 200 tractors per day throughout the massive 820,000 SF manufacturing facility. There was even a product test track located on the property. The Detroit plant closed in the early 1980s.
After various evolutions and vacancies over the past few decades, the Gateway Industrial Center is undergoing more transformations through a number of renovation projects underway across this sprawling site, some of which are highlighted below.
SPEC BUILDING
A new 425,000 SF facility is designed to function as a modern shared industrial building with different tenants. It will have a modern feel and will be built to accommodate a wide range of uses from heavy industrial manufacturing to high-end laboratories and everything in between. The building is a prime location, close to highways and highly dense industry, to support the rapid growth and high demand of the Detroit region.
DETROIT MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS (DMS)
Situated within the Gateway Industrial Center, DMS is a world-class Tier 1 automotive manufacturing, assembly, and sequencing company. The 500,000 SF DMS facility is being upgraded with renovated new restroom facilities, as well as additional localized cooling (HVAC) throughout.
SITEWIDE DEMOLITIONS & RENOVATIONS
Other projects at the Gateway Industrial Center include demolition of obsolete buildings, and updating existing facilities. The upgrades include LED lighting, high efficiency heating / cooling systems, and improved accessibility. All of these improvements create a high-tech and modern atmosphere that will launch tenant businesses into the future.
