Thought Leadership: Mike Anthony on Industrial Growth in Owatonna, MN

Mike Anthony, Director of Project Management, participated in the third annual Owatonna Commercial Real Estate Summit put on by Minnesota Real Estate Journal. He was one of three experts on a panel entitled “Industrial Growth – Building Momentum in Owatonna” that explored the state of industrial development there and what advantages the city offers industrial developers and users.

Mike shared that in the last four years we’ve completed two industrial build-to-suit projects in Owatonna, including a 265,824-square-foot warehouse and distribution center for Bosch Automotive Services and a 162,640-square-foot manufacturing facility and headquarters for Climate by Design.

He credited a close partnership with City officials and a strong local subcontractor and vendor community for enabling the success of both projects.

“The Community Development, Engineering and Building departments with the City of Owatonna were great to work with, and they helped us to quickly get these projects permitted and started,” Mike said. “And the subcontractors and vendors who provided such high-quality work and materials are second-to-none. These are two important factors that keep developers interested in pursuing projects here.”

Mike added that an engaged local workforce is what makes Owatonna appealing to users. “When Climate by Design was looking at where to build their new facility, they didn’t even consider moving outside of Owatonna because of the incredible, supportive workforce here,” he said.

According to Mike, recent industrial development in Owatonna is contributing to revitalization of the city’s downtown, which includes infrastructure upgrades and streetscape improvements among other projects.

• More about Bosch Automotive Service Solutions
• More about Climate by Design International Headquarters