New Warehouse and Manufacturing Facility

IMEG provided engineering design and services for East Penn’s new warehouse and manufacturing facility in Oelwein, IA. The 320,000-sf facility, which is used to fill, form, finish, and distribute automotive batteries, includes
a warehouse, auxiliary equipment buildings, a fleet service building, and personnel facilities.

Engineers provided structural design and construction administration services for the project. The structural design included 20,000-sf of conventionally-framed steel structures for the warehouse and 250,000-sf of NUCOR pre-engineered metal for the rest of the facility. A mezzanine in the formation area of the 250,000-sf building was also included.

The facility’s super-tall rack storage required special consideration for floor flatness and concrete floor design. Some areas of the facility required specific floor coverings to protect the structural slab and ground beneath from harmful chemicals. Engineers provided detailing around the columns, joints, pits, and exterior walls to accommodate the coverings. The design and construction teams worked with the rack suppliers, concrete testing companies, and concrete installers to ensure the requirements for these unique flooring needs were met.

IMEG worked closely with Story Construction, who served as the architect/construction manager. The team met weekly to discuss design topics and keep the project on schedule. Once construction on the facility began, engineers coordinated the construction updates to accommodate any changes in design.