Michael and Dianne Morey, a couple from Mount Pleasant, Michigan, has donated more than $2 million worth of classic automobiles from their collection to support Northwood University and The Northwood Idea. The Moreys, who are the founders of Bandit Industries, a leading wood chipper company, pledged 35 vehicles to the university.
“We are incredibly grateful to Michael and Dianne for this extraordinary gift, which will be used to enhance our Midland campus, create scholarship opportunities, and build the university’s endowment for future students,” said Northwood President Kent MacDonald. “The Moreys are stellar examples of how ingenuity, persistence and dedication pave the way for success in a free-market society.”
The Moreys’ story dates back to 1983, when they decided to build a wood chipper better than any other on the market. Mike left his job and invested in a small workshop, where he and a team of six employees built the Model 100 Brush Bandit, a 12-inch capacity disc-style chipper. The success of the Brush Bandit led to the creation of Bandit Industries in 1987, which Dianne also joined. The company continued to innovate and in 1990, it designed and launched the world’s first self-propelled track whole tree chipper. Bandit Industries now operates a network of more than 180 dealer locations worldwide and has 725 employees.
In 2018, the Moreys announced that they would be selling 100 percent of the company to their 462 employees through an employee stock ownership plan. This decision came after the company received offers from private firms, but the Moreys ultimately decided that neither was a good fit for the company. “We realized neither was a good fit for Bandit, so we made the decision to sell to our trusted employees,” Dianne Morey told the Morning Sun in 2018.
The Moreys transferred the titles of the vehicles in their collection to Northwood University prior to the end of the year.
By June 30, 2023, Northwood University will liquidate The Morey Collection with Mecum Auctions in a no-reserve auction.
The preference is for The Morey Collection to be auctioned at Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction on Jan. 6.
“The cars have been a large part of our lives, and each tells a story,” the Moreys said in a statement. “It’s time for these cars to write a new chapter, and support young men and women who want to work hard, build something of their own, and positively influence the communities they call home. Northwood University is a special place, filled with wonderful students, and we are thrilled to support their mission.”
Northwood University will retain one car from the collection, a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette, to display on campus and use to support their mission of developing future leaders. “We are very pleased to showcase this classic Corvette on campus as a reminder of the Morey’s generosity and American innovation, while using the vehicle throughout the year to support our mission to develop future leaders of global economic and social progress,” said Justin Marshall, chief development and engagement officer for Northwood University.
The proceeds from the auction will be used to enhance the campus experience and build upon recent campus improvements that were dedicated earlier this year in May. The remaining proceeds will be used to build a scholarship and endowment fund supporting Northwood University’s free-enterprise mission. Visit here to register to bid. View the vehicles here.
The cars will be auctioned off Friday, January 6 at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida. You are welcome to bid on the vehicles online, by phone, or in-person to support Northwood University.Â
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