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Western Michigan University (WMU) is set to acquire the Newell Brands Design Center at 3300 Research Way for $6 million, superseding Faraday Defense's plans for a laboratory project with NASA. WMU's Board of Trustees authorized the purchase on March 10, 2026, after learning Newell intended to sell to Faraday.

Newell, which had previously purchased the property from Southwest Michigan First for $3.8 million, will relocate its design operations to Atlanta. Faraday Defense's plans to close on the property on March 15 are now disrupted, and WMU aims to use the facility for its design team and to support its soccer program. The acquisition will facilitate the demolition of WMU's aging Physical Plant.