Places That Were

Clark Equipment Company of Buchanan, Michigan produced industrial and construction equipment for most of the 20th century and was a major contributor to the US wartime industry during WWII. After the plant closed in the '80s, nature and the elements have slowly eaten away at the deserted structures.

Guardhouse of Clark Equipment Company Plant in Buchanan, Michigan

After stopping in Niles, Michigan to see the endangered Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam, I spent the afternoon in Buchanan, MI, home of the ruins of Clark Equipment Company.

Clark Equipment Company Factory in Buchanan, Michigan

The story of Clark Equipment Company began in 1903 when its precursor, the George R. Rich Manufacturing Company, was founded in Chicago by executives of the Illinois Steel Company. Rich Manufacturing relocated to Buchanan, Michigan in 1904.

In 1906 the company was renamed Celfor Tool, after its product the Celfor Drill. In 1916, Celfor Tool merged with Buchanan Electric Steel Company. The new entity was named Clark Equipment Company after Eugene B. Clark, the executive who organized the merger.

Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan, Michigan

The first half of the century was a prosperous time for the company as it continued to grow and acquire other businesses.

By the 1960s, Clark Equipment was among America's 100 largest companies. The Buchanan plant alone employed over 3,500 people. By the end of the '60s, several divisions were sold off to allow the company to focus on its core products, which included forklifts, loaders, scrapers, and its expanded line of Bobcat equipment.

The recession in the 1980s brought decreased profitability. Several factories were closed as a result, including the Buchanan plant in 1983.

There isn't much left of the old industrial complex. Many of the structures have been repurposed or demolished.

The grounds of the old plant are not open to the public, but there is a nice walking trail from which you can get some decent views of the old property.

I walked around town a bit and enjoyed lunch at Bucktown Tap, a great little bar and restaurant. I would like to recommend stopping for a bite and a drink if you're ever in the area, but I'm disappointed to report that Bucktown Tap has closed since my visit.