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Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. – Assembly Facility Expansion 

Pierce is a single source leader in custom fire apparatus innovation and manufacturing, including pumpers, aerials, rescues, tankers and electric fire trucks. Boldt was engaged as the general contractor to lead an 85,000 SF expansion of their primary manufacturing facility. The expansion allowed Pierce to increase production of their fire trucks, with space for assembly, material storage and testing. Approximately 200 new local jobs were created to support the increased production capacity. The project also included 8,100 SF of new office and breakroom spaces. 

To meet the client’s speed to market goals, Boldt managed the early procurement of long lead time items that were set in place by Pierce, including structural steel, roofing, overhead doors, overhead cranes, and electrical switchgear. As a result, structural steel was able to be installed just six weeks after the contract was awarded. Similarly, to meet the project timeline, footings and foundation work were started during winter months. The use of frost protection over the entire project site reduced the total construction time by eliminating the need to dig through frost-penetrated soil, which in turn, helped keep costs down. 

Inside the assembly space are multiple overhead cranes, vehicle exhaust systems and compressed air. A trench system was installed in the slab throughout the entire facility for the routing of compressed air, as well as data and power. This allows for greater versatility should operational needs change in the future. The trench system is capped with steel plates, so the movement of forklifts and other vehicles are not hindered, while still allowing access to the systems within the trench.  

Client

Pierce Manufacturing, Inc.

Location
Appleton, Wisconsin
Architect/Engineer

McMahon

Boldt Role
General Contractor
Project Type
Expansion / Addition
Project Size
85,000 SF

MARKETS
Industrial & Specialty Manufacturing
Automotive

Project Highlights

  • The project team was able to meet the client’s speed to market goals by procuring items with long lead times early in the process, including structural steel, overhead doors, and key equipment. 
  • Frost protection helped reduce excavation time during winter months. 
  • Boldt self-performed concrete for the footings and foundation, steel erection, masonry, metal panel installation, and finish carpentry.