Schemmer and W. Boyd Jones Construction Co. receive Design-Build Project of the Year for 2001 Award

OMAHA, NEBRASKA (May 15, 2002) -- Schemmer and W. Boyd Jones Construction Co., both of Omaha, received the Design-Build Project of the Year for 2001 for the Airlite Plastics Company Headquarters and Production building in Omaha.

The competition was sponsored by the Design-Build Institute of America, Mid-America Chapter. The judging committee selected Schemmer from among five entries from Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri in the “Over $5 million Project” category.

“This project overcame inherent risks to be completed within schedule and budget. Brad Crosby, President of Airlite Plastics Co., provided a much deserved tribute to the Design-Build entity,” said Patrick Smith, presenter of the award. “Operating at risk, successfully overcoming design challenges, and utilizing key construction and design build principles makes this a true Design-Build winner.”

This design-build project was for a new 338,200-square-foot manufacturing plant for Airlite Plastics Company near Omaha’s Eppley Airport, and the design of two railroad spurs equaling about 1,000 feet of track. The company manufactures a variety of products, including plastic cups and containers for the dairy industry.

The manufacturing operation contains over 30 large vacuum forming machines interconnected with labeling operations. The remainder of the structure contains a large warehousing and distribution operation, corporate office space, engineering offices, machine shop and storage, mold and stacker storage, maintenance and electronics shop, and other support functions.

Construction began in September 1999, and the plant began its first production in October 2000. “A lot of work went into completing the project in the narrow time frame,” said Art Petersen, Project Principal, Schemmer, “but the best part was seeing the finished product. It was as beautiful as we had imagined.”

W. Boyd Jones, who had prior experience in working with Brad Crosby, President of Airlite Plastics, initiated the design-build entity. Schemmer was selected to be the architect/engineer based on relevant project experience and past experience working with W. Boyd Jones. Another factor was that Schemmer had all architectural and engineering services in-house, including architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, surveying, and contract administration. This provided a single point of contact and coordination.

“Schemmer’ team brought creativity and innovation to each phase of the project, in addition to the necessary professionalism, architectural and engineering expertise,” Crosby said. “Most importantly, they provided the professional project management required to incorporate the needs and desires of the project team.”

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