Rivore Metals, Pontiac, Michigan

Looking to relocate and become incorporated in the United States, Rivore Metals, LLC, a scrap metal processing company, found themselves drawn to the city of Pontiac, in the state of Michigan.

Located within the city’s “Diamond Corridor”, an area marked by Pontiac for innovative growth and redevelopment, Rivore Metals set their sights on an underutilized plot of land that included three vacant warehouse buildings.  

At one time the site of a church in 1907, the property underwent many changes thereafter.  In 1924, a factory building and five outbuildings were developed.  Shortly after that, the factory was demolished and a larger industrial building was added.  Smaller warehouses sprung up along the property as time passed, and typical operations consisted of manufacturing rubber cement, plastics, auto parts, flooring, chemicals and machinery.  By 2016, the site was ready for its new future.   

PM Environmental was retained by the developer to assist with a brownfield redevelopment plan for the property.  PM’s Economic Incentives team worked closely with the developer, the city of Pontiac and Oakland County to turn the vacant site into something new, successfully securing over $1.5 million in reimbursable costs.  Eligible activities covered by the Brownfield Plan and 381 Work Plan included site assessments, demolition, infrastructure improvements, site preparation and due care activities.

The first phase of development, which kicked off in the fall of 2016, included the renovation and reuse of an existing 35,200 square foot building.  The newly renovated building allows for the sorting, processing, storage, and office space for metals trading and project management operations.  Extensive landscaping and sidewalk improvements were also a large part of the first phase of development, improving the overall aesthetics of the area.  

The second and third phases will include the development of additional warehouses and a processing center.  It is estimated that 17 new Full Time Equivalent (FTE) permanent jobs will be created in the first three years after this development.