Whether your business manufactures, processes, stores, or ships, you deserve a streamlined, reliable industrial facility — one that promotes logistical, operational, and energy efficiencies; maximizes productive capacity; and ultimately, allows you to do what you do best to outperform the competition.
In this "Building a Facility to Last" series, we're digging into four game-changing elements anyone embarking on the development and construction of an industrial facility needs to consider:
1. INDUSTRIAL VENTILATION | 2. SUBGRADE REACTIONS | 3. FLOOR JOINTS | 4. INTERIOR AMENITIES
PART 4: INTERIOR AMENITIES
The Wall Street Journal reported last year that warehouse and manufacturing plant design are stepping it up in order to attract employees in the tightening labor market. Taking a cue from Silicon Valley tech campuses, industrial facilities are making comfort a higher priority.
Innovative Industrial Spaces
Gone are the days of a makeshift front desk and windowless break rooms. Now luxury amenities create a positive, energetic workspace where employees thrive. Coffee bars, bright and vibrant break areas, and wellness features blur the traditional distinctions between Class A office space and the industrial environment.
CASE STUDY: CORNING DISTRIBUTION
Corning Inc.'s focus on employee wellbeing and satisfaction is evident in the amenities and finishes found in their warehouse.
Glass storefront and sleek wood accents create a contemporary space that rivals any Class A office. A cafe and dining area provide opportunities for employees to take a break inside while a covered patio with crisp lighting and ceiling fans provide an inviting outdoor area.
CASE STUDY: CORNING DISTRIBUTION (cont.)
Showers and a mother's room are available for employees, but even external visitors are not forgotten. Corning set up rest stations within the warehouse for visiting truck drivers, providing a convenient space to unwind, use the restroom, or grab a bite to eat.
Addressing Worker Welfare
Coffee bars, gyms, and natural outdoor spaces exceed the needs of the facility but address the well-being of the staff. These elements support optimal productivity and low workplace turnover. Staff enjoy being at work and feeling connected to the facility, which in turn increases pride and accountability.
Choate Interior Construction
Specializing in renovations, adaptive reuse, expansions, and additions, Choate's autonomous interior construction division has completed more than 1.6 billion square feet in a market where the small stuff counts and aggressive schedules are a way of life.
Expertise gained from immense office interior construction experience is leveraged for industrial amenity spaces, as the quality level of finishes used in Class A office bleed into industrial spaces.
Additionally, Choate Interiors offers specialized teams that can tackle smaller "back-of-house" renovations, expansions, equipment/space coordination, and Design-Build needs.
"Aside from the complexities of the existing facility, your interior teams’ attention to detail, fit, and finish was superb. Your expertise with unique elements such as large saltwater aquariums, custom art elements, and a mix of new and old polished concrete floors with difficult slab transitions were put to the test and you came through.
Kudos to your entire team from preconstruction all the way through to close-out and punch. Job well done."
Thomas C. Duzan, Redline Design Group // Atlantic Packaging distribution facility