A company that launched in Baroda nearly seven years ago in 2014 has announced plans to relocate to new facilities in Bridgman this spring, as Berrien County’s lead economic development agency, Cornerstone Alliance, calls it a major win that the company will stay in Berrien County. 
Oronoko Iron Works, Inc. has closed the deal on a new property in Bridgman, with plans to make their move this spring. With over 50,000 in square footage to work with, Oronoko Iron Works will occupy the front building and lease the rear building at their new site, which is the former home to Sunset Tool of Bridgman. More space allows room for more equipment, which will provide more jobs to the Berrien County workforce population. The business looks to add to their seven-person team by hiring additional employees after they get settled in.
Based in the heart of Southwest Michigan, Oronoko Iron Works has committed to providing high-quality craftsmanship since 2014. The business has a strong foundation in the brewing and distilling industry, and has continued to develop various capabilities to handle machining and fabricating needs.
Cornerstone Alliance calls the expansion a success for economic development in Berrien County. The total estimated investment is projected to be $1.6 Million. Cathy Tilley, Cornerstone Alliance’s Business Development Manager, says “We are thrilled that Oronoko Iron Works, has expanded and remained in Berrien County.” She adds, “Core Real Estate and the City of Bridgman were vital to making this re-location happen for Oronoko Iron Works. In today’s hyper-competitive atmosphere, it’s more important now than ever to have collaboration in the private and public sector.”
Rusty Riley, owner and founder of Oronoko Iron Works, looks forward to new opportunities and continued success for his business, saying, “Oronoko Iron Works has outgrown our facility in Baroda, and we’re excited to announce that we have finalized the purchase of a new property in Bridgman. We look forward to building lasting relationships with customers and folks within the community as we transition to our new home. We are especially grateful for the assistance provided by the teams at Core Real Estate and Edgewater Bank in acquiring our new location.”
Core Real Estate’s Loren Gerber, who led the purchase of the Bridgman property, tells us, “Core Real Estate through its associate brokers, Dick Donnellan and I, recently brokered the sale for the buyer and seller of the facilities at 9890 Red Arrow in Bridgman. We are delighted to see a local expanding company be the successful buyer of the property. All parties, buyer, seller, and other participants worked together to successfully conclude the sale in January.” Core Real Estate was established 21 years ago and specializes in all types of real estate including commercial transactions.
