By Kirk Johannesen, The Republic
johannesen@therepublic.com
The shuttered Columbus Components Group has produced inquiries from interested parties - but no serious offers, according to a local economic official.
Corey Carr, president of Columbus Economic Development Board, said he has had two conversations with CCG President Rick Holmes about what the company intends to do with the metal stamping facility.
CCG, formerly Arvin and ArvinMeritor, ceased operations July 31, ending more than 50 years of operation in Columbus. The auto parts supplier had employed about 500 at the beginning of the year.
The 460,000-square foot plant, between 15th and 17th streets along Central Avenue, is owned by 15th Street Columbus LLC, a subsidiary of CCG, which was created in 2006. That same year, ownership of the plant was transferred to 15th Street Columbus LLC.
Holmes told Carr that options include selling the plant or leasing it to one or more businesses.
Carr said companies and individuals have asked him about the facility. He declined to say how many have called, or whether they were local.
The challenge is to figure out the best way to market the plant.
"Because of the way it has evolved over time, with portions added on, it's not as functional as something you might want for someone who wants 460,000 square feet," Carr said.
Leasing or selling the plant in smaller portions might make more sense, Carr said.
The timing of selling or leasing the plant also is not ideal, he said, because people are waiting to see what happens with CCG's financial situation.
People are curious to see if remaining equipment in the plant will be sold at an auction or come with the plant, Carr said.
Also, a new lawsuit has been filed against CCG by a financial company seeking more than $100,000.
NMHG Financial filed suit in Bartholomew County Aug. 7 on behalf of Tynan Equipment Co. in Indianapolis. The lawsuit seeks $113,787.52 for breaches of two lease agreements, one dating to September 2007 and another that started in May 2008.
Seven lawsuits and two liens against CCG are pending, and seek a combined $831,247.13 for unpaid goods and services.
Four judgments totaling $75,511.84 have been awarded to plaintiffs in cases against CCG.