In the search for warmer climates and strategic expansion, a Minnesota-based company chose the Tennessee/Kentucky state line as the home for its new 530,000-square-foot warehouse. This facility, now a hub for aftermarket ATV power equipment, lawnmower parts, tires, and more, is like an outdoorsy version of Amazon. As exciting as this new venture is, it’s the hard work and expertise behind the scenes that truly powers this project – and that’s where Lee Company comes in.
Laying the Foundation for Success
Kicking off in June 2022, the project began with Lee Company connecting water and waste systems to the job trailer and laying the groundwork for what would become a significant challenge: underground plumbing. The team tackled a massive 15-foot-deep lift station right in the center of the building, an intricate job that required out-of-the-box thinking to ensure safety. By using a four-foot-wide steel storm culvert as a protective sleeve in place of traditional trench boxes, Lee Company set a new standard in plumbing safety and innovation.
Ahead of the Game with Strategic Planning
With early planning and smart logistics, the team was able to keep the project on track despite several challenges. Delays caused by new EPA regulations made getting HVAC units and wire harnesses difficult, but Lee Company’s leadership was proactive. By securing materials in advance and adapting to late deliveries, they managed to keep the project moving forward, ensuring that tight schedules were met without sacrificing quality.
Stepping Up with Electrical Expertise
Originally tasked only with plumbing, Lee Company’s professionalism caught the attention of the project’s ownership. The team was soon asked to take on the electrical work as well, stepping in to replace an underperforming contractor. Despite inheriting a schedule full of setbacks and errors, the Lee Company team quickly turned things around, regaining lost time and ensuring the electrical installation was on track. Their experience in industrial projects was crucial to navigating complex issues and delivering high-quality work under pressure.
Innovative Solutions for a Complex Build
One of the standout moments of the project came during the installation of tilt walls. The Lee Company team found a time-saving solution by mounting storm risers and conduit controls while the walls were still horizontal. This approach saved significant time and costs, eliminating the need for costly boom lifts.
But that wasn’t the only innovation. When an underground conduit was damaged during slab pouring, the team quickly pivoted, rerouting everything overhead to avoid delays. Their creativity and adaptability, coupled with strong teamwork, ensured the project stayed on schedule.
Lighting the Way
With the project progressing, the electrical team faced another challenge – no lighting was in place, and they had only three weeks to complete the first third of the building. Working with the Lee Company fabrication shop, they pre-assembled 610 lights and shipped them for quick installation. This not only accelerated the timeline but also reduced costs and complexity on-site.
An innovative cable system, installed by a structural engineer, allowed the team to clip the lights in place quickly without the need for traditional mounting methods. This creative approach saved both time and money, impressing the general contractor and solidifying Lee Company’s reputation for innovative problem-solving.
Collaboration and Camaraderie
One of the project’s highlights was the strong sense of teamwork and collaboration between the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical teams. With all aspects of the project managed by Lee Company, communication flowed seamlessly, allowing the team to stay ahead of schedule and maintain high standards. Their close partnership was evident not only in their work but also in their camaraderie, celebrated during Safety Week with a team barbecue.
A Unified Approach to Success
Project Titan exemplifies the power of entrusting a single company to manage multiple aspects of a large-scale project. Lee Company’s integrated approach ensured efficient coordination between trades, avoiding potential delays and complications. By working together, the team was able to deliver exceptional results while maintaining a strong focus on safety and innovation.
As the project wraps up, Lee Company’s role in Project Titan stands as a testament to their commitment to excellence, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. From underground plumbing to innovative lighting solutions, the Lee Company team has once again proven that they can rise to any challenge and deliver industry-leading results.
