Meijer joins Michigan businesses in addressing fitness demands

Meijer is aiming to provide a solution to the current demand in fitness equipment.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer is looking to partner with Michigan-based businesses to manufacture hand weights for its Meijer Active brand.

“Millions of people were suddenly staying at home and looking for ways to exercise, creating a demand that all retailers were trying to address,” said Scott Schuette, team sports and fitness buyer at Meijer. “We realized finding the right partners locally was key to shortening our supply chain and help customers find all the accessories needed for their home gym solutions.”

Working with Great Lakes Castings in Ludington, Meijer and the company were able to engineer 3-D mold patterns, source local materials and begin test designs of cast iron hand weights.

In August, a program was piloted at 14 stores that featured 500 hand weights that sold out in 10 days, the company said.

“This partnership has created a new way for us to pursue opportunities as we enhance our capabilities to fit the reshoring needs of businesses that traditionally work with countries outside the United States,” Great Lakes Castings’ president and CEO Rob Killips said. “The average consumer would not recognize where our castings are used, so we are incredibly proud to step up and manufacture a product that so many people can use.”

Currently, the Meijer Active brand features 10-, 15-, 20- and 25-lb. weights available at its supercenters.

“Our teams worked tirelessly to create an incredibly short supply chain and that is starting to make a real difference in keeping shelves stocked with fitness equipment,” Schuette said. “This is just another example of how being a good neighbor and seeking local partnerships can benefit communities throughout the Midwest, making Michigan a better place to work, live and, in this case, exercise.”