A boutique Grand Rapids-based auto racing supplier is moving north to Charlevoix.

Under new ownership

Formerly owned and operated by Bruce Baldwin, Oliver Racing Parts, a manufacturer of high-performance engine connecting rods, was acquired earlier this year by Joseph A. Moch, now president and CEO of ORP.

The transaction did not include the property where the company had been located for decades, at 1025 Clancy Ave. NE.

Up north

Oliver Racing Parts, founded in 1983, had 11 employees, and all were offered the opportunity to move with the company to Charlevoix, according to a spokesperson for Moch.

Five employees have decided to make the move north with the company.

“More modern facility”

The relocation will take place in three phases and is expected to be complete by the first week of October.

The new site is a 70,000-square-foot facility on M-66 in Charlevoix.

The new owners plan to upgrade the manufacturing and packaging equipment, enabling the supplier to continue expanding its line of high-performance engine products.

“The opportunity to move Oliver Racing Parts into a more modern facility allows us to upgrade the company and our products in multiple ways, while staying in Michigan,” Moch said.