Success Stories - Michigan Lift Station Upgrade

New Spacious Station Crop

Chocolay Township in Marquette County

Challenge:

When Chocolay Township in Michigan set out to upgrade their aging outdoor lift station, they were facing more than just mechanical inefficiencies—they were contending with freezing winter conditions, limited accessibility, and outdated infrastructure that made maintenance both difficult and dangerous. But with help from Crane Engineering and a Gorman-Rupp Above-Ground Station (ASVP), they didn’t just get a new station—they got a smarter, safer, and BABA-compliant solution.

From Harsh Winters to Hassle-Free Maintenance

Located in Marquette, Michigan, Chocolay’s previous system left operators on their knees outdoors, in snow and ice, performing maintenance in sub-zero conditions. The new Gorman-Rupp lift station changed everything. Fully enclosed and designed for indoor operation, the new system makes maintenance a breeze. Operators now enjoy a warm, dry environment with full access to pumps and controls—no manholes, no ladders, no frostbite.

Proudly BABA Compliant: Built in America Since 1933

Here’s where things get even better: Every pump in the station is BABA compliant, meeting the “Build America, Buy America” standards required for federally funded projects. Gorman-Rupp has been manufacturing BABA-compliant pumps since 1933, and their dedication to American craftsmanship is unmatched.

And it’s not just the pumps—Gorman-Rupp has been engineering and building these complete stations since 1967. When you install one, you’re getting over 50 years of proven design and manufacturing experience, all backed by a 5-year warranty that covers the entire station.

Coming from the Experts

Eric Finnila, Water & Wastewater Team Director of Sales at Crane Engineering, worked with Chocolay Township to install Gorman-Rupp Reliasource® Above-Ground Submersible Valve Packages (ASVP) stations. These systems, Finnila explained, addressed the maintenance concerns of the Chocolay Public Works Department while also ensuring they were resilient in the harsh winters of Northern Michigan on Lake Superior where heavy snowfall and whipping winds are common.

“We talked to them about switching to this newer style that includes an enclosed building,” Finnila said. “The piping header, controls, and everything are all inside versus the other, traditional style where guys are outside with the double doors open, flapping up against them while they’re on their knees.”

A Proud Partnership

Crane Engineering converted five lift stations to the new design, featuring Gorman-Rupp SF Series submersible pumps. The mechanical and electrical engineering teams custom-tailored lift stations based on designs from Crane Engineering, streamlining the manufacturing, testing, shipping, and installation process.

The Result?

Maintenance workflow remained consistent with bi-weekly checks but with added benefits.
SCADA and standby generators were integrated, simplifying repairs and reducing downtime.
Alarms equipped with cellular network capabilities enhanced real-time monitoring and response.
The new design eliminated the need for confined space work, no longer requiring two people to do the work.
Boosted efficiency and increased flow by 10-15% while maintaining the same horsepower as the original units.

As a proud Gorman-Rupp distributor, Crane Engineering delivers top-tier fluid handling solutions to municipalities across the Midwest. From small-town utilities to major city infrastructure, we help you choose smarter systems that are safer, more efficient, and fully compliant with today’s funding requirements.

Looking for a solution that’s built to last—and built for America? Let’s talk.