And what the latest groundbreaking tells us about the future of Midwest distribution
When we break ground on a new industrial project, we’re not just building a warehouse – we’re responding to fundamental shifts in how businesses think about distribution and logistics. June 2025’s groundbreaking with Keller Industrial Properties at Grissom Aeroplex offers a perfect example of why the Peru-Bunker Hill corridor has become one of Indiana’s most compelling growth stories.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Midwest Industrial is Booming
Here’s what caught our attention: CBRE’s latest data shows 39.7 million square feet of industrial space under construction across the Midwest, with net absorption hitting 10.8 million square feet. That’s serious demand, and it’s being driven by some major changes in how companies approach their supply chains.
What’s driving this growth?
- Regionalized fulfillment models replacing centralized distribution
- E-commerce expansion requiring faster delivery capabilities
- Supply chain resilience prioritizing redundancy and flexibility
- Labor cost optimization in secondary markets vs. urban cores
Why Keller Industrial Properties Chose Grissom Aeroplex
When Keller Industrial Properties selected the Peru-Bunker Hill corridor for their 150,000-square-foot speculative warehouse development, the location offered several strategic advantages:
Strategic Geography
The corridor sits at the sweet spot between major metropolitan markets and operational efficiency. Companies gain access to Chicago, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati without the congestion, labor costs, and real estate premiums of urban cores.
Infrastructure Advantages
- Direct access to major interstates and freight corridors
- Available workforce with manufacturing and logistics experience
- Utility infrastructure that can handle modern industrial demands
- Room for expansion as operations grow
Economic Development Support
“The development brings jobs, investment, and visibility to the region, aligning perfectly with our long-term economic goals,” explains Jim Tidd from the Miami County Economic Development Authority. That kind of local support makes a real difference for companies evaluating potential locations.
Building to Modern Standards
The Keller project incorporates specifications that have become standard for competitive industrial facilities. Working with developers like Keller Industrial Properties, we ensure these facilities meet the demanding requirements of today’s logistics operations.
Core Design Elements:
- 36-foot clear heights – providing efficient vertical storage
- Multi-tenant flexibility – designed for easy subdivision as needed
- Robust power infrastructure – 800-amp service supporting operational requirements
- Comprehensive fire protection – ESFR systems meeting current safety standards
- Efficient loading configuration – six dock positions plus three drive-in ramps
The facility also includes expansion capability to 200,000 square feet, allowing tenants to grow their operations on-site rather than relocating.
“As supply chains continue shifting toward regionalized models and faster fulfillment, we’re providing the infrastructure that makes those models sustainable and scalable,” notes Bryan Keller from Keller Industrial Properties.
What This Means for the Region
This project represents more than a single development – it’s part of a broader transformation we’re witnessing throughout north-central Indiana. Companies are discovering they can achieve better operational efficiency and cost performance in markets like Peru-Bunker Hill compared to traditional industrial hubs.
The ripple effects include:
- Increased competition for industrial sites driving up land values
- Growing interest from national logistics providers and 3PLs
- Expansion of supporting services (trucking, logistics, warehousing)
- Enhanced workforce development programs at local technical colleges
Looking Ahead: Completion by End of 2025
Construction is moving forward with completion scheduled for late 2025. While Keller reports some early tenant interest, the facility was designed as speculative space – meaning it’s built to attract companies actively searching for modern infrastructure that creates compelling value propositions for companies rethinking their distribution strategies.
The Bigger Picture
Projects like this demonstrate why we’re bullish on Indiana’s industrial future. The combination of strategic location, available workforce, supportive economic development, and modern infrastructure creates compelling value propositions for companies rethinking their distribution strategies.
“We’re seeing more developers like Keller invest in spec facilities because the demand for modern industrial space is outpacing supply. This project positions the Peru-Bunker Hill corridor to capture that growth,” said Michael Armstrong, Director of Operations for ARCO Design/Build Indianapolis.
That’s precisely the kind of strategic advantage companies need in today’s competitive logistics environment.
Interested in exploring industrial development opportunities in Indiana? Our team brings decades of design-build experience to logistics and distribution projects throughout the Midwest. Contact us to discuss your next facility.
