b'EXPANDING HERSHEY WITH A HIGH-TECH APPROACHOur latest delivery for The
Hershey Company in Robinson, IL, marks an unprecedented moment in Korte
history.In this 177,726-square-foot, multi-phased expansion, we
accommodated increased Hersheys production demands while advancing
workplace conditions through innovative tools.The complexity of this job
demanded a phased execution over two years, starting with enhancements
like a new entry and expanded docking areas. Next came a two-story
addition with liquid unloading bays and a complex network of mixed
flexible piping. The latter challenged us to manage the design intricacies
amid evolving requirements.Historically,large-scale construction projects
this complex presented challenges that took a considerable amount of time
to solve. Today, we can speed up this process by using software like Revit
and Navisworks to visualize wall thickness, layout, facility equipment,
and details like piping and ductwork. Our team took design details even
further for the job due to the sheer amount of prefabrication needed for
the suspended piping network. And since The Job is the Boss, Project
Designer Alex Engelbrecht listened.In a processing addition, the amount of
actual building systems like piping, conduit, ductworksthey increase two
or threefold. The need is immediate in design to understand where all
these systems are going to go and making sure they dont run into each
other. We got down to the actual hangers, washers and bolts.This designs
detail was unprecedented. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of
every construction element, the team could keep the project on track
without extensive rework. Hershey constantly gave us new equipment designs
and specifications as their needs evolved. Our team adapted with swift
adjustments in real-time. Sometimes, these were simple fixes, like moving
a duct a few inches to the side. But problem-solving sessions could take
an entire afternoon for in-depth overhauls introducing hundreds or even
thousands of new clashes.To date, its the most complex job Alex has done.
But he didnt work alone. In addition to leaning on Darlene
Rutkowski-Hanks, Alex also tapped into the expertise of Architects Amy
Schmidt and Chris Schneider, plus BIM Technician Connor Reckamp, who
collectively wrote the how to start guides that Alex used to teach himself
Navisworks.It takes a team to make complex projects work. And it takes
talent to ensure complex jobs finish on time and on budget.Here, we had
both. And did both. Thats Build Smart at its finest.6'