Wells-Index Relocating Production and Headquarters to Muskegon Heights
Muskegon Heights, Michigan February 6th, 2018- The City of Muskegon Heights continues to fill in the map and grow its business base with the addition of Wells-Index, a Muskegon-based producer of manual and CNC milling machines. Wells Index is currently the only US manufacturer still producing milling machines in the United States, and has been producing milling machines for the last 80 years.
The company will be relocating from a leased space at 701 W. Clay Avenue to a 17,000 square foot facility located at 2608 Sanford Street which will serve as its production facility and corporate headquarters. The space was most recently occupied by Strong Industrial Supply, which moved to Norton Shores in 2010.
Building owner Ted Losee founded Strong Industrial Supply and operated his business at the Sanford location until his retirement, and has maintained stewardship of the building awaiting a proper owner to purchase the site. Upon closing on the building he released the following statement:
“For 43 years we have taken pride in our city, our building, and our location in Muskegon Heights. A special thanks to Mr. Eckholm our City Manager for assistance in attracting WellsIndex to take over our site. Muskegon Heights is moving forward to restore its commercial and industrial base under his leadership. We welcome and are pleased to have Wells-Index in our community, and we wish them great prosperity in the future. –Ted and Marilyn Losee.”
The City of Muskegon Heights and Muskegon Area First partnered to find a suitable site for Wells-Index in the area after they determined they wished to purchase a permanent headquarters. Wells-Index CEO RJ Doyle was immediately impressed with the site. “Since a change of ownership in 2017, Wells-Index has experienced vigorous growth. As a result, the company found a need for a space that could accommodate its increased production. With its long standing tradition in the Muskegon area, Wells-Index knew it would stay local. The company is committed to working with and providing growth opportunities for both residents and the City through provision of employment and training opportunities and contribution to the City’s industry tax base. We are very excited to increase our investment in Wells-Index and Muskegon Heights. Out of the many business and facilities we operate globally, I am most impressed with the passion, dedication, and positive attitude possessed by our team at WellsIndex. It’s takes great people to build great companies, and because of this I am sure we will continue to prosper in Muskegon Heights.”
This development marks several significant commercial and industrial attractions or expansions the City has managed to gain in the last year. Wells-Index will join The Gear Group, Anchor Chiropractic Center, Sweet Spot Disc Golf, Read Muskegon, Sisters Gifts and More, Nu Republic Financial Services, Scott Meats, Hurricane Power, Storage Pro’s MI, Aldea Coffee, Fresco Mercato Organic Pastas, the Hideout Lounge, and several other businesses who have occupied previously vacant facilities in Muskegon Heights.
Additionally, the City recently sold the former Bennett Pump site, approximately 11 acres of vacant industrial property, to Quality Tool and Stamping for future expansion.
City Manager Jake Eckholm is optimistic that the recent growth will continue, given the City’s approach to partnership.
“We are working to show the region that we are not this terrible place that folks have in their minds eye. By conducting ourselves in a professional and accessible manner that illustrates best practices in economic development and public service, we are experiencing successes that will benefit our residents. Restoring our commercial corridors and focusing on economic development are key tenets in our recovery strategy, and we are appreciative of all these new investments. We can now say that NCAA athletic attire, prototype car parts for Tesla, and the only American made knee milling machines left in the world have all come from Muskegon Heights, Michigan and that is a great feeling.”
Further information can be found on the company’s website, http://www.wells-index.com/.