As one of the nation’s largest design-build general contractors, ARCO National Construction is expertly qualified to address the complexities of manufacturing construction projects and can provide the best, most cost-effective solutions for clients’ manufacturing facility needs. From concept to completion, ARCO is dedicated to understanding clients’ businesses and delivering a facility that operates efficiently and supports its unique operations.
Backed by decades of experience and millions of square feet in manufacturing construction projects built, ARCO National Construction’s superior industry expertise has established us as a trusted partner for developers and end-users on manufacturing facilities nationwide.
From high hazard chemicals and pharmaceuticals to pulp and paper and aerospace and automotive components, ARCO is expertly capable of addressing the needs of our manufacturing clients.
At ARCO, we’re transforming manufacturing by integrating forward-thinking design with precise, efficient construction. More than contractors, we’re technical experts in building complex manufacturing facilities, taking projects from initial concept to final commissioning. With an in-house engineering team and partnerships with global suppliers, we keep every project on track, meeting stringent timelines and specifications, no matter the complexity.
We specialize in emerging industries and first-of-its-kind projects, gaining a deep understanding of our clients' operations to deliver fully integrated, turnkey solutions. Our flexible expertise allows us to engineer solutions tailored to the unique demands of each project. Partner with ARCO for a responsive, design-build approach that brings your facility to life exactly as envisioned.
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The manufacturing and light industrial sectors are undergoing significant transformations driven by technological advancements, changing market dynamics, and new regulatory incentives. As businesses strive to stay competitive, several key trends are emerging that are redefining the design and construction of modern facilities.
View the article to learn more about trends impacting the future of manufacturing facility construction.
”Stonemont Financial Group recently partnered with ARCO to complete a 499,600 SF build-to-suit manufacturing and distribution facility for our client MJB Wood Company. The extra effort ARCO provided in the upfront, combined with their internal design capabilities, resulted in an efficient overall design that met MJB Wood’s goals.
Josh WheelerStonemont Financial Group
Because manufacturing projects are notoriously complex, manufacturing contractors must be expertly qualified in the industry to ensure success. Utilizing a tried and true design-build approach, ARCO simplifies the complexities of manufacturing construction projects while developing the very best overall solution.
From large site developments to existing facility renovations and expansions, ARCO challenges the status quo throughout the design and construction processes to achieve the best outcome for clients and their businesses.
Choosing the proper site for a manufacturing facility is crucial to its overall success. Ideally, the location supports logistics, has access to transportation networks, and has close proximity to suppliers and markets. Additionally, when it comes to site design, there are several rules of thumb regarding items like car parking per square foot, truck parking per square foot, docks per square foot, and more. There are also standard dimensions for dock aprons, truck drive, truck parking, car parking, and drive aisles. Partnering with an experienced manufacturing contractor will ensure that a manufacturing facility’s site is designed to utilize the space in the most efficient and functional way possible.
ARCO’s site feasibility services empower clients to select the very best site for their facility. By providing site-specific cost information prior to construction, ARCO helps clients make decisions with full knowledge of their impact on cost and schedule.
Ensuring the proper load-bearing capacity and that the structure of a manufacturing facility is designed to accommodate the unique operations of the user are crucial. The facility should be designed to handle the load of equipment, materials, and personnel. This includes considering dynamic loads from machinery and static loads from storage.
Additionally, the design should include a robust foundation that is suitable for the soil conditions and weight of the facility. Foundation options include slab-on-grade, pile foundations, or mat foundations, depending on specific load requirements.
Manufacturing facilities often require more robust utility infrastructure to accommodate their complex operations. An advanced MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) design is essential, including increased electrical capacity to support heavy machinery and equipment. Plumbing systems must be designed to handle significant water supply demands, efficient drainage, and effective waste management. For some facilities, this includes provisions for specialized needs such as high-pressure water systems or chemical disposal. HVAC systems are crucial in maintaining optimal working conditions and air quality, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for employees. Additionally, the design should account for future upgrades to accommodate changing operations and evolving needs.
Designing a manufacturing facility with flexibility involves several strategies and considerations to ensure that the space can adapt to changing needs and technologies. Scalable infrastructure is key, including features such as expandable floor plans and flexible utility systems, which can facilitate future capacity increases and expansions. Expandable floor plans not only account for potential future growth but also include provisions for additional space or structural reinforcements that can be developed later. Utility systems should be designed to be easily upgraded or modified, with features like extra conduit space or flexible ductwork to enhance adaptability. Additionally, incorporating plans for technological advancements and environmental considerations is crucial. Infrastructure should be designed with the capability to integrate new technologies, potentially including additional power sources, data cabling, or designated space for future upgrades, ensuring that the facility remains responsive to evolving demands.
Partnering with a qualified design-build contractor like ARCO with experience in complex project types like manufacturing is essential for success. Design-build delivery helps clients navigate strategic design decisions and strategic planning for their facilities. Additionally, unlike traditional delivery methods that treat the phases of design and construction sequentially, the design-build process combines quality of design and construction, management of capital expense, and adherence to schedule all under a single point of responsibility. Preliminary design is completed during the proposal process, and manufacturing users benefit now more than ever from the speed at which design-build delivery moves.
