Ingenuity Magazine Winter 2020

Pond Ingenuity Winter 2020 11 When pro j ec t cha l l enges seem i nsu rmoun t ab l e , i t presen t s an opportunity for a firm to show what they are made of. Pond’s Samsung endeavor demonstrated this idea when the team planned, designed and constructed the complex expansion project. In the winter of 2018, Samsung Home Appliance America selected Pond to design and construct a 350,000 SF complex addition that would expand their existing facilities at their Newberry, South Carolina campus. Samsung needed a warehouse extension that would optimize material-handling and streamline delivery processes to enhance the overall operation of the washing machine manufacturing facility. To supply this addition without impeding business, the project had a strict seven-month timeline. This challenge, compounded by the massive size of the project, client language barriers, and adverse existing site conditions, provided an opportunity for Pond engineers and designers to showcase their capabilities. With consideration of the prodigious scope of project and the aggressive timeline, Pond was eager to accept the role. The team wasted no time to prepare for the task. The civil and structural department worked day and night to produce designs for approval in 12 calendar days as the rest of the team began onsite mobilization. This work ethic was consistent throughout each stage of the process, with teams working day and night to ensure a prompt finish. Pond’s ability to navigate new challenges and commun i cate e ff ect i ve l y bu i l t a foundation of trust between the client and the team. The engineering efficiency and synergistic efforts of the engineering, architectural and construction teams was instrumental to enhancing Samsung’s operations. Collaboration, conscious adaptability and collective focus were driving success factors for the on-time completion of this project. The daunting deadline, language barriers and facility constraints paled in comparison to the dedication each member of the team had to the project’s success. This was demonstrated in the ability to work from the west side of the facility and progress eastward and complete multiple phases of the project concurrently. Underslab utilities, foundation, erection of structural steel, roofing, fire protection system, electrical systems, mechanical systems, and the exterior skin of the building were staggered from both sides of the building. The Samsung facility had a major economic impact on the region it inhabits. Years before Samsung reclaimed the facility, the former owner vacated the area, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of jobs. When Samsung made Newberry, South Carolina its home, they promised to restore that level of employment in the area. Samsung fulfilled its mission to launch a strong, vibrant workforce and is now one of the largest employers in its community. With the addition of the new facility, Samsung is fully equipped to reach its next goal of employing 1,000 workers by 2020. As Samsung expands, they continue to spur economic growth in the region and enhance the lives of its community. Pond’s performance exceeded Samsung’s expectations in terms of communication, efficiency and quality. Despite numerous revisions requested throughout design and construction, Pond demonstrated high levels of proficiency and flexibility. Often, the team’s capability surpassed what Samsung believed to be possible. At one point, issues were being resolved so quickly and thoroughly that Samsung questioned the integrity of the solutions. Once the client witnessed the level of skill Pond brought to this project, it fostered a foundation of trust between Samsung and the team. As the facility was tailored to specifically meet Samsung’s requests, Pond completed the construction without any interruption to the ongoing business operations at the adjacent warehouses. This unprecedented endeavor propelled Pond forward as a design and construction firm. Working on this major project with such high stakes has raised Pond’s prominence and reputation, truly showcasing what Pond could do. The participants of this project worked tirelessly toward a common goal and exemplified what it means to function as a highly effective team. When the project seemed impossible at some points, Pond accomplished their goal without sacrificing safety or quality. In addition to radically increasing Samsung’s production capacity, the construction of this facility has supported its ability to be the second largest employer in its community. Samsung has delivered on its promise to create over 800 jobs in Newberry County and the new warehouse has allowed them to triple its footprint, expanding its impact across the region. Pond is proud to support initiatives to that push the envelope, improve processes, and enhance the local landscape.  Mark Hanselman, PE, SE Director of Structural Engineering Samsung fulfilled its mission to launch a strong, vibrant workforce and is now one of the largest employers in its community.