DETROIT—ATW Automation, Inc.has just relocatedits Michigan manufacturing facility from an 85,000 square-footfacility in suburban Livonia to a significantly larger facility at31077 Durr Dr. in Wixom, one of many industrial operations in themetro area to expand recently as the local economy ramps up.

Newmark Grubb Knight Frank's Anthony Avendt,senior managing director, in cooperation with NGKF's RobRenaud, senior vice president and managing principal andCam Graham, associate, both of NewmarkKnight Frank Devencore, Toronto, represented ATW in thesearch for a new location. ATW, an Ontario-based affiliate ofATS Automation, Inc. which designs and buildsfactory automation solutions, says it needed to improveefficiencies and expand capacity with additional squarefootage.

The bailout and revival of the auto industry has certainlyhelped bring the metro region back, but although “the auto industryis a key component, it is not the sole driver,” Avendt tellsGlobeSt.com. “Several industrial companies are expanding capacityin metro Detroit, this includes companies with an existing presenceas well as those not currently operating in the area.”