Empty Bohn Piston plant in South Haven could produce ethanol

SOUTH HAVEN -- For decades, it pumped out pistons for the Detroit Three automakers. But since closing in 1996, the Bohn Piston plant, 220 Aylworth Ave., has sat mostly vacant. The exterior of the 240,000-square-foot facility shows the signs of lack of use.

Now, South Haven Redevelopment LLC, which owns the plant, is asking the city to amend industrial zoning for the site to include uses relating to a sugar-based ethanol plant Grand Rapids-based DeAnza Fuel Group might locate there.

DeAnza is considering purchasing 67,000 square feet of the facility for operations and lease another 14,000 square feet. The company would invest $2 million to $6 million for equipment, and could employ anywhere from 10 to 15 people in the first phase. The total employment is expected to grow to about 60 people, said Steven Larsen, managing member of South Haven Redevelopment.

The Planning Commission and City Council could consider the request as early as March, said City Manager Brian Dissette. To date, DeAnza has not made any tax abatement or other requests with Michigan Economic Development Corp. or the city, Larsen said. A northern Indiana facility is also vying for the ethanol operation.

source: mlive