Warsaw Chemical Expanding With Acquisition Of Detroit Street Complex From Cary & Mike Lewis

December 19, 2024 at 4:56 p.m.
Lewis Salvage and Warsaw Chemical announced Warsaw Chemical acquired the Detroit Street Complex, 3454 N. Detroit St., from Cary and Mike Lewis and the sale has been finalized. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union
Lewis Salvage and Warsaw Chemical announced Warsaw Chemical acquired the Detroit Street Complex, 3454 N. Detroit St., from Cary and Mike Lewis and the sale has been finalized. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union

By DAVID L. SLONE Managing Editor

A news release from Lewis Salvage and another one from Warsaw Chemical Thursday announced Warsaw Chemical acquired the Detroit Street Complex, 3454 N. Detroit St., from Cary and Mike Lewis and the sale has been finalized.
The Lewis Salvage release indicates that as part of the agreement, Lewis Salvage will continue its destruction and warehouse services in a portion of the south building.
The release from Warsaw Chemical, a leading manufacturer of car wash, industrial and janitorial cleaning solutions, states the company “is excited to announce a major expansion with the acquisition of the Detroit Street Complex ... This new facility will provide the company with enhanced manufacturing and distribution capabilities to meet growing demand and support future product innovation.”
The expanded facility spans over 200,000 square feet and will house Warsaw Chemical’s corporate headquarters, manufacturing, and distribution operations. Renovations are expected to commence immediately, with plans to transition operations from the company’s current location at 390 Argonne Road by mid-2025.
“This expansion is a game-changer for Warsaw Chemical,” said Glenn Schischa, CEO of Warsaw Chemical. “With this facility, we’re not just growing — we’re setting the stage for a bold future filled with innovation, efficiency and unparalleled customer service.”
As part of the transition, Warsaw Chemical will implement upgraded equipment, modern workflows and sustainability initiatives. The facility will also include a cutting-edge research and development center to fuel groundbreaking product formulations.
The city is purchasing the current Warsaw Chemical property on Argonne Road for the future site of the orthopedic innovation research center. The OrthoWorx Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI) is providing $5 million toward the purchase. Along with the city, OrthoWorx, Grace College and other partners are involved in the project.
Cary, Mike and Rita Lewis purchased the property in 2015 from Alchem Plastics/PolyOne. Over the last nine years, the facility has served multiple purposes, including hosting auctions, storing hand sanitizer and supporting fiber optic cable production.
Lewis Salvage is a fourth-generation recycling company that purchases and processes scrap metal, services landfill reduction programs, and provides destruction services for medical device manufacturers. Located at 1961 White Industrial Drive, Warsaw, Lewis Salvage can be reached at 574-267-6781 or online at www.Lewis-Salvage.com
Founded in 1941, according to their release, Warsaw Chemical has been a trusted leader in the production of cleaning and care solutions for over 80 years. The company’s recent acquisition of Magic Finish has expanded its expertise in high-quality car wash solutions, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and growth. With a diverse portfolio of products and a vision for innovation, Warsaw Chemical is poised to lead the cleaning solutions industry into the future, the release states.
More information on Warsaw Chemical can be found on their website at www.WarsawChemical.com.

A news release from Lewis Salvage and another one from Warsaw Chemical Thursday announced Warsaw Chemical acquired the Detroit Street Complex, 3454 N. Detroit St., from Cary and Mike Lewis and the sale has been finalized.
The Lewis Salvage release indicates that as part of the agreement, Lewis Salvage will continue its destruction and warehouse services in a portion of the south building.
The release from Warsaw Chemical, a leading manufacturer of car wash, industrial and janitorial cleaning solutions, states the company “is excited to announce a major expansion with the acquisition of the Detroit Street Complex ... This new facility will provide the company with enhanced manufacturing and distribution capabilities to meet growing demand and support future product innovation.”
The expanded facility spans over 200,000 square feet and will house Warsaw Chemical’s corporate headquarters, manufacturing, and distribution operations. Renovations are expected to commence immediately, with plans to transition operations from the company’s current location at 390 Argonne Road by mid-2025.
“This expansion is a game-changer for Warsaw Chemical,” said Glenn Schischa, CEO of Warsaw Chemical. “With this facility, we’re not just growing — we’re setting the stage for a bold future filled with innovation, efficiency and unparalleled customer service.”
As part of the transition, Warsaw Chemical will implement upgraded equipment, modern workflows and sustainability initiatives. The facility will also include a cutting-edge research and development center to fuel groundbreaking product formulations.
The city is purchasing the current Warsaw Chemical property on Argonne Road for the future site of the orthopedic innovation research center. The OrthoWorx Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI) is providing $5 million toward the purchase. Along with the city, OrthoWorx, Grace College and other partners are involved in the project.
Cary, Mike and Rita Lewis purchased the property in 2015 from Alchem Plastics/PolyOne. Over the last nine years, the facility has served multiple purposes, including hosting auctions, storing hand sanitizer and supporting fiber optic cable production.
Lewis Salvage is a fourth-generation recycling company that purchases and processes scrap metal, services landfill reduction programs, and provides destruction services for medical device manufacturers. Located at 1961 White Industrial Drive, Warsaw, Lewis Salvage can be reached at 574-267-6781 or online at www.Lewis-Salvage.com
Founded in 1941, according to their release, Warsaw Chemical has been a trusted leader in the production of cleaning and care solutions for over 80 years. The company’s recent acquisition of Magic Finish has expanded its expertise in high-quality car wash solutions, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and growth. With a diverse portfolio of products and a vision for innovation, Warsaw Chemical is poised to lead the cleaning solutions industry into the future, the release states.
More information on Warsaw Chemical can be found on their website at www.WarsawChemical.com.

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