Marshall Economic Development Opportunities Report February 2024

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Marshall Economic Development Opportunities Report February 2024

Available Properties in Marshall, MI

Welcome to the City of Marshall, Michigan, known for its rich history and Victorian-era architecture as well as its outstanding economic development opportunities. Walking through the streets of Marshall feels like stepping back in time, with its nationally acclaimed historic district of over 850 buildings in Victorian, Greek Revival, and other architectural styles. Yet, Marshall is also at the forefront of the new economy, as the home of the Brooks Industrial Park, the new BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, and the city is certified by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) as a Redevelopment Ready Community. With this dynamic mix of old and new, Marshall is poised to move boldly into the future.

Marshall, Michigan

Location, Location, Location

Located in southern Michigan on the banks of the Kalamazoo River, at the intersection of Interstates 69 and 94, Marshall is a city well positioned for growth. With direct access to rail transportation, multiple interstate natural gas pipelines, high-voltage electric transmission lines, and a high-quality, productive workforce, the city has become a draw for potential businesses in the region.

Map of Michigan

Marshall’s access to markets is a competitive advantage for the city. It is located at the “nexus” between Detroit (80 minutes from Marshall) and Chicago (three hours away). Other nearby Michigan market distances include Ann Arbor (60 miles), Battle Creek (10 miles), Kalamazoo (35 miles), Indianapolis (212 miles) and Lansing (45 miles).

Air travel access serving the Marshall area includes Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), 89 miles away; Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, 35 miles; the Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field–Regional/Inland Port of Entry, Foreign Trade Zone, 20 miles; and Reynolds Field, Jackson–Regional Airport, 25 miles away.

Marshall is home to the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan and the Marshall Area Jobs, Opportunity, and Recreation (MAJOR) campus. Both represent once-in-a-generation economic opportunities to create thousands of jobs and spark billions in investment for the Marshall community and region. The BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, a new electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility, is an outstanding example of Ford’s commitment to the region and is destined to be a primary economic engine for the area.

Blue Oval Battery Park Ribbon Cutting

Blue Oval Area map

This facility is anticipated to stimulate massive economic growth by providing high-quality, good-paying jobs for thousands, boosting property values, and generating tax revenues. The future is embracing EV technology and these vehicles of the future will be powered by batteries manufactured right here in Marshall, Michigan, positioning Marshall to be a key player in this developing technology and helping to lead the way in bringing back the supply chain to America.

Why Choose Marshall?

Why choose Marshall for your business expansion or relocation? Marshall is the perfect blend of old and new. With a population of 6,822, it has an enviable quality of life and is a wonderful place to live and do business. Marshall and the surrounding area offer a high-quality workforce, excellent school systems, and numerous world-class colleges and universities. In addition to beautiful historic homes and a busy downtown filled with independent small businesses, Marshall has large-scale commercial and industrial real estate opportunities.

The city promotes opportunities through a strong partnership with the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA). As partners with the City of Marshall, the MAEDA welcomes your new or expanding business and will do all it can to help you reach your goals. The MAEDA provides information to connect businesses, developers, and site selectors to business growth and development resources. Services may include business-to-business connections, information about local, state, and/or federal resources, or information about available buildings or vacant property for development.

Marshall American Museum of Magic

The Marshall Downtown Development Authority’s mission is to revitalize and sustain long-term economic stability for downtown businesses; and to provide an attractive place to shop, live, and work while enhancing the historic identity of this great community.

Marshall Fountain

Marshall’s strategic location within Michigan and its proximity to major highways provide businesses with access to regional markets and transportation networks. Businesses seeking convenient logistics and distribution capabilities are attracted to Marshall’s prime location. Numerous networking opportunities help businesses connect with potential customers, partners, suppliers, and investors, helping to facilitate growth and expansion. The workforce population living within a 45-minute drive time of Marshall is over one million people (1,018,468 as of 2022).

The city’s diverse economy provides stability and resilience and includes a mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism. This diversity reduces dependence on any single sector and creates opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Initiatives such as business incubators, small business loans, and networking events help entrepreneurs establish and grow their ventures. Take a look at the top primary employers, all within a few miles of the city’s center:

Oaklawn Hospital
Autocam
Impact Solutions
Hewitt Building Co
Eaton Corporation

Eaton Corporation, the worldwide diversified power management leader, makes the automotive, aerospace, electrical, hydraulics, and truck industries go faster. Marshall is home to their Torque Control Specialty and Proving Grounds. In June 2023, Eaton Corporation announced the expansion of its Marshall facilities to include a new lab for conducting development, environmental, validation, and durability testing for a wide range of EV components.

Among the incentives provided in the city is the Marshall Opportunity Zone, a program designed to encourage economic development and job creation in rural and low-income urban communities. Additionally, off-peak and economic development electric rate incentives are available to new and expanding businesses.

While location and infrastructure are important considerations for a business, when it comes to selecting new sites, the reliability of utility services is equally important. The City of Marshall Electric Department has been designated a Reliable Public Power Provider by the American Public Power Association (APPA) and is a 2023 recipient of APPA’s Certificate of Excellence in Reliability. Electric services, fiber-to-the-premises internet access, water, and wastewater are all provided by the City of Marshall.

Marshall FiberNet is a municipally owned fiber-optic internet service provider for residents and businesses within the City of Marshall. It offers reliable, local service with transparency; there are no contracts, negotiations, or added fees. The service comes with no data cap or strings attached. Marshall FiberNet provides a high-speed data connection but does not directly provide phone or TV service. Streaming services and VoIP phone services are suggested for TV or landline phone connections.

Marshall is dedicated to providing quality education for its residents from early childhood through adulthood. Marshall Public Schools is committed to providing a quality education that prepares students for success in college, career, and life. Nearby colleges and universities offer a variety of academic programs and opportunities for residents interested in pursuing post-secondary education. With a focus on academic excellence, community support, and lifelong learning, the educational system plays a vital role in shaping the future of the city and its residents.

Marshall Schools

The city’s commitment to education, workforce development, and business-friendly policies has laid the groundwork for sustainable economic growth, ensuring that the community remains vibrant and prosperous for years to come.

Marshall Riverwalk

The City of Marshall and its citizens are friendly and hospitable, working together to keep the community a great place to work, play, and live. We invite you to be a part of all that Marshall has to offer. Give us a call to arrange a visit. We’ll be glad to show you around. We know you’ll enjoy the experience.

Site opportunities include:

213 E. Michigan Avenue