General RV to build new headquarters in the former Ford plant in Wixom, Mich.

General RV owners, including President Loren Baidas, center.

Author's note:The following is a combination of a press release from General RV and one posted by RV Business.com. I intend to meet with folks from General RV soon for an interview and video soon for a more complete post.

General RV officially announces the repurposing of the old Ford Wixom Plant site for its newest store and corporate offices 

Earlier this week, General RV announced its future growth plans with a move to the previous Ford Wixom Plant site. While repurposing the former plant’s site, General RV will be maintaining current jobs in the Wixom area, and adding roughly 75 new jobs.

The company's current headquarters is just a mile or two down the street from what will be its new location.

According to a company release, the new headquarters will mean General RV will become the largest RV retail facility in the Midwest. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014 with 1,200 feet of frontage on I-96.
In a state with so much to offer already, General RV expects the facility to become a draw to bring RV buyers and campers to Michigan, making it the ultimate destination for RVers.

“This move will ensure our customers and employees the best possible experience with RVing,”said General RV President Loren Baidas.

This relocation will help General RV Center to better service customers and RV enthusiasts with larger showrooms and service areas to meet the needs of the growing RV community. The plans for the new space include an 83,000 square foot facility on 34 acres, nearly three times the size of the current office. General RV’s facility will feature 40 bays for service with widened space for RV maneuverability, a spacious showroom and parts store. The corporate offices will be located on the second floor. With recent reports showing the continued growth of RV sales and travel, General RV is eager to create the ideal space for service to enhance customer’s experience.

According to RV Business.com, General RV Center has a tentative agreement to purchase about 33 acres of land at the former Ford Motor Co. manufacturing site. Crain’s Detroit Business reported that the company is expected to finalize the purchase from New York-based Trident Barrow Management this week, said Wixom City Manager Tony Nowicki.

General RV Center sought and got a rezoning of the property from industrial to a mixed-use classification that allows for some retail, Nowicki said.

Once it has completed its purchase of the property, General RV Center will submit a final site plan to city officials for approval, which should come within 30-45 days, clearing the way for construction to begin, Nowicki said.

The city is not providing incentives for the project, he said.

General RV Center is the largest family owned RV retailer in the U.S. and provides RV parts, service, rentals, RV insurance, and financing. General RV Center is listed in the 2013 Top 40 Fastest Growing Companies in Michigan by Crain’s Detroit Business.