Construction firm names director

Construction firm names director

Corey Bixby. Courtesy Orion Construction

Coming on the heels of a blockbuster development in downtown and its joint-venture agreement with a Detroit builder, a Grand Rapids-based construction firm has filled a vital position for further growth.

Orion Construction has named Corey Bixby its director of marketing and public relations.

Bixby will be responsible for developing and implementing new marketing strategies for the firm, which has exploded across the construction scene over the past several months.

“As we expand and grow our services, our marketing and branding strategies will become synonymous with healthy growth and a keen focus on satisfying our clients,” said John Wheeler, veteran builder and director of business development at Orion Construction. “Mr. Bixby’s experience and skill set are a wonderful addition to Orion.”

Agency-side background

Bixby comes to Orion from a marketing firm in Lansing where he was marketing director.

While there, he created and directed programs on commercial real estate, resort recreation, event production and other fields, such as manufacturing.

“Being part of this team means I’m surrounded by some of the most accomplished general contractors and construction managers in West Michigan,” Bixby said. “They’re making a major impact in the community.”

Detroit partner

In late September, Orion announced it had entered into a teaming agreement with Walbridge, a Detroit builder. The company has been in business since 1916, has 1,000 employees in North America, South America and the Middle East and recently reported annual revenue of $1.3 billion.

The first project that Orion and Walbridge are working on together is the new Arena Place development in downtown Grand Rapids.

It’s a $28 million mixed-use project planned for Ottawa Avenue near Van Andel Arena, which will offer market-rate apartments, office suites, retail space and underground and above-ground parking.

Work on the project is expected to get started in the first quarter of next year.

Orion Construction was founded in 2000.