Genesee County is positioned to take advantage of expected growth trends on the state, regional and local levels through existing transportation strategies according to a recently released study by The Corradino Group, a national leader in transportation engineering. The report focuses on growth opportunities in the freight movement and logistics industry in Genesee County. The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce commissioned the report.
The Freight & Logistics study focused on three elements: first, an evaluation of the Genesee County freight market – existing and forecasts; local economic trends and targeted growth opportunities; and, measures of competitiveness; second, an evaluation of infrastructure that supports the region’s ability to attract private-sector freight and logistics operations; and third, findings and recommendations to support the Flint & Genesee Chamber in their efforts to market major brownfield sites.
Key findings are:
- Freight and logistics is a multi-billion dollar industry in Michigan and is growing
- Flint & Genesee is poised to meet growing supply chain demands with our strong network of transportation assets including Bishop International Airport, I-69 Corridor, I-75, U.S. 23, CSX and CN rail systems and brownfield sites such as Buick City and Flint-East; the region’s workforce and higher education institutions are also strengths.
- The freight/logistics (movement of goods) industry is not only thriving, but growing in Genesee County. By 2030, the freight industry is expected to grow from $10 billion to approx. $17 billion.
- There’s growth in the shipping and warehousing of goods and commodities.
- The report identified the top 10 areas of growth among commodity groups. These 10 groups represent about $3.5 billion and were about 35 percent of the Genesee County market share in 2009. The dollar value and share numbers are expected to grow to $8 billion and 47 percent respectively.
- Among the 10 commodity groups, the following groups are expected to achieve the greatest gains:
- Electrical products such as semiconductors, electric measuring instruments and radio/TV transmitting equipment by 248 percent
- $750 million to grow to $2.6 billion
- Warehousing by 98 percent
- $1.7 billion to grow to $3.5 billion in 2030
- Transportation equipment such as motor vehicles, vehicle parts and accessories and truck bodies by 62 percent
- $2.1 billion in 2009 to grow to $3.4 billion in 2030
- Machinery products such as data processing equipment, machine tools and refrigeration machinery are expected to grow by 88 percent
- $750 million in 2009 to grow to $1.3 billion in 2030
- Food is expected to grow by 36 percent
- $900 million in 2009 to $1.3 billion in 2030
- Electrical products such as semiconductors, electric measuring instruments and radio/TV transmitting equipment by 248 percent
Janice Karcher, Vice President, Economic Development at Flint & Genesee Chamber says the report is great news for the region, confirms that our export, PTAC and I-69 International Trade Corridor strategies are on track, and points to the potential for new freight and logistics investment.
“These growth industries will generate good-paying jobs and more tax revenue,” said Karcher. “Not only is this good news for Genesee County citizens but for business as well. Through the I-69 Corridor strategy, we offer a strong value proposition for companies to bring their business ‘to or through’ Genesee County. We consider this a major win for the region and another reason to be optimistic about our future.”