There is never a one-size-fits-all solution to creating structures suited for manufacturing — particularly when expanding an existing operation. Wells collaborated with the design team on conceptual designs for an 88,000 sq ft expansion of an aerospace manufacturing research and development facility. The design team sought Wells’ expertise and collaboration in framing the overall layout, as well as understanding the unique makeup and possibilities of the different building solutions to ensure a sound structure and efficient timeline.

To meet the client’s requirements the expansion accommodates a high bay manufacturing facility with cleanrooms and a four-story office complex. In addition to meeting the high load-bearing requirements for this new and versatile space, the facility matches the architectural design of the existing campus — namely, its dual-colored, field-laid brick exterior. In less than four months, Wells constructed a building envelope with an office building, as well as the high bay manufacturing area, using load-bearing architectural columns and spandrels.