Demolition of historic Brunswick bowling plant in Muskegon nears late May completion (video)

MUSKEGON, MI Work is progressing on the removal of the historic Brunswick Bowling Products equipment manufacturing plant with crews hoping to complete the demolition by the end of May.

Crews from Clifford Buck Construction Co. of Muskegon and subcontractor Melching Inc. of Nunica will continue to recycle the remaining concrete, asphalt and steel from the site, Buck Construction Vice President Bob Herman said. The plants wooden beams already were sold to an out-of-state company for reuse, he said.

Some of the remaining work includes removing underground utilities, foundations and basements that were part of the huge industrial complex where bowling balls, pins and scoring equipment were made over the decades.

Brunswick brought its billiard and bowling operations to Muskegon in 1906 and was a titan of West Michigan manufacturing, especially through the World War II production years. Over the years, the plant produced everything from audio records to soda fountains and toilet seats.

Peak employment was 2,700 workers in 1929.

RELATED: Harold Phinney, 44-year Brunswick employee, tells of working in Muskegon plant

The Brunswick plant had sat vacant since 2006 and had been unsuccessfully offered for sale. Bowling ball manufacturing ended in Muskegon in 2006, when it moved to a plant in Mexico.

Brunswick Bowling Products remains headquartered in Muskegon at the 525 W. Laketon with managers, engineers and marketing staff continuing the companys history here. Some 175 Brunswick employees remain in Muskegon today, overseeing the companys worldwide bowling operations.

Without a buyer, the old bowling manufacturing plant facilities were becoming a liability for the company and a blight in the community.

Now is the time to take it down, Brunswick Vice President of Operations Brad Gandy said when the demolition project began. We dont want it just sitting and deteriorating. We want to remain a viable player in this community.

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Demolition of historic Brunswick bowling plant in Muskegon nears late May completion (video)