History of Riverside Casting Plant in Benton Harbor, Michigan explored.

Riverside Casting Plant was built as a casting plant on the outskirts of Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1921. Although the address is listed as being located in Benton Harbor, the Riverside Casting Plant was actually located inside the township of Benton Harbor northeast of town. A reservoir was built on the rear end of the property.

Riverside Casting Plant produced artillery shells during World War II. Production of artillery shells started in in December 8, 1941 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Production of artillery shells ceased in 1945 after World War II had ended. (Ref: http://www.uer.ca/locations/show.asp?locid=24189)

Herald-Palladium reported that Auto Specialties Manufacturing made a decision to close Riverside Casting Plant on August 1, 1980. 210 jobs were lost after Auto Specialties Manufacturing made the decision to close Riverside Casting Plant. Many people were laid off. The closure happened because of the 1978 recession. It was an “already depressed economy”. Production was moved to the St. Joseph casting center in St. Joseph, Michigan after closure. (Ref: Herald-Palladium, Page 3, Wednesday, June 18, 1980)

Their equipment remained on the property for taxing purposes. Paperwork was left behind all on the floor. The main building remained extant despite the fact all of the other buildings were demolished. A couple of garages escaped demolition. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/365483074/)

Benton Township Supervisor James Benson cited a sharp reduction in light truck and car production. This was a result from the 1978 recession in the United States. However the Riverside Casting Plant was not the largest employer in the township. Clark Equipment Co. Construction - Machinery Division and Whirlpool Corp were the larger employers of the area. (Ref: Herald-Palladium, Benson Says Loss Of Hardship To People, Wednesday, June 18, 1980)

Today the Riverside Casting Plant is abandoned and remains so. Riverside Casting Plant is an example of industrial archaeology of what is now just ruins.

Riverside Casting Plant was located on 2201 Riverside Road, Benton Harbor, Michigan, US 49022.