ARCO Completes Dough Processing & Cold Storage Facility for Repeat Client Domino’s

ARCO recently completed a 111,734 SF dough processing and cold storage facility for repeat client Domino’s in Crown Point, Indiana. The state-of-the-art supply chain center features automated technology, including ingredient batching, mixing and portioning, weight adjustment, tray stacking, and a spiral cooler, which is capable of producing up to 80 million pounds of dough annually. Additional features include a 5,200 SF -10°F freezer, 4,500 SF 35°F cooler, a 9,800 SF cold dock, and a 3,300 SF dry dock. This is the second project ARCO and Domino’s have partnered to complete.

Design Coordination

Because of our collaborative design-build approach, ARCO was able to proactively work with the design team and Domino’s to create an overall building design that was optimized to accommodate the processing and automation layout. ARCO also worked closely with Domino’s equipment manufacturers and installers during the construction phase, which resulted in better coordination and integration. This also allowed for potential issues to be identified and resolved prior to installation and schedule delays to be avoided. Additionally, ARCO developed a strategic master schedule that included detailed sequencing to ensure all processing equipment was installed at the proper time without interfering with construction activities.

Schedule-Saving Solutions

To expedite completion and mitigate the effects of potential unforeseen delays, ARCO strategically sequenced construction activities to ensure all critical milestones were met on time. For example, to avoid weather delays, the floor slab was poured prior to erecting the exterior pre-cast panels. This allowed ARCO to take advantage of favorable fall weather and ensure the walls were up prior to winter. The roof was then installed, and work was able to take place inside the building. Additionally, when faced with delays from the roofing manufacturer, ARCO was able to find an alternative during construction that would allow the project to be completed on schedule.

Cost-Saving Solutions

Because of our extensive cold storage construction experience, ARCO was able to offer alternative, cost-saving solutions. For example, rather than typical snow scrapers, ARCO installed a snow blower to remove snow and ice from the tops of Domino’s delivery trucks. This alternative eliminates the need to have a separate crew to remove snow and ice from the pavement, resulting in significant long-term savings.