Sault Industrial Incubator
"The project is an example of how a community-oriented institution of higher learning can be of a benefit to its surrounding area..." -New York Times, December 17, 1972
History
Established in 1972, the Soo Industrial Incubator was revolutionary concept when it was first established. As one of the first Industrial Incubators in the nation, the partnership with Lake Superior State College (now University) introduced a number of innovations in providing a superior total package assistance program to help new industry locate and achieve success in our community. The aim of the Incubator is to reduce risk, both for the investor and the community; to provide concentrated assistance, both technical and financial at the start when it is most needed; and reduce the amount of start-up capital that is usually required. The Incubator has been providing these advantages for over 35 years to new firms who have started in the building and incubated into their own facilities in the community.
The Incubator
The Incubator offers the use of a especially-built industrial facility which is fully operational and functional. Lease costs are nominal. some sharing of start-up costs is provided, and no long-term commitment is required. All this means that a new industry can move into the Incubator Building on a tryout basis to see if it can succeed. And because of flexible, easy-to-move inner partitions in the Incubator Building, new industry can arrange to use only as much of the building as it needs to get started. As the firm grows and is successful, the leased space can grow as well.
Building Information
Located at 1301 West Easterday Avenue on 3.7 acre site, the Incubator Building is steel frame construction, and holds 23,040 square feet of manufacturing space (120' x 192') and 4,900 square feet of office space (175' x 28'). The factory area has 16 and 1/2 foot ceiling clearance. 60' x 24' clear span areas, and movable inner partitions. The floor is five inch reinforced concrete (thicker in certain areas) with 1,500 pounds per square inch loading capacity. Roof live load is 40 pounds per square foot, flat buildup with interior drains and 4" foil covered batten. The building is fully sprinkled.
Electric power service is provided with 120-209 volt 4 wire 3 phase amp switch on the east side of building along with 277-480 volt 4 wire 3 phase amp switch on the west side of building. Edison Sault Electric Company provides service with among the lowest rates in Michigan. Natural Gas is provided by DTE ENergy with an 18" main. City water is through a 20" main and City sewer from a 12" main.
The building has face brick on wall surfaces in the administration and office area, the other exterior walls are 26-gauge steel ribbed panels, insulated. The factory area is heated with overhead gas unit heaters, and hot water radiant in office. The building has three 12' x 12' overhead doors. In addition to modern landscaping, the building has a 36,000 square foot bituminous paved parking lot. The office area was completely air-conditioned in 2006 and 2007.
Industrial Incubator Operating Procedures and Policies
The Industrial Incubator exists for the purpose of providing space for new and expanding firms to be able easily establish manufacturing or research operations with a minimum of risks, a reduction of overhead and start-up costs, with no long term commitment, and develop sufficient success so that the firm is able to "incubate" out of the building and into its own facility.
In order to help best assure success, the EDC provides for company screening prior to occupancy. The conditions and terms of occupancy in the Incubator provide for clear understanding of the arrangements.
Current Industrial Incubator lease rates for manufacturers:
Factory area: $2.60 per square foot [net 3)
Office space: $3.85 per square foot (utilities included)