Distribution centers undergo expansions while operations continue uninterrupted

MINNEAPOLIS (September 30, 2010) – Ryan Companies, US Inc. is the lead developer on a nationwide expansion of Target Corp.’s distribution centers. Ryan has completed work on four distribution facilities – in California, South Carolina, Iowa and Fla. -- and is currently expanding and remodeling five additional facilities, including three in the West.

“We’ve enjoyed a productive relationship with Target over the past four decades,” said Eric Engh, construction division vice president, Ryan Companies US, Inc. “Besides accommodating Target’s growth, these projects are aimed at extending the life of each facility. Throughout the process, we ensure Target can maintain the centers’ operating schedules and keep the distribution process humming.

Approvals from local governments are vital on every project, so Ryan works closely with Target’s expansion-project teams to fine-tune the design to meet the unique requirements of each locale. For example, air quality standards in Shafter, Calif., are strict, so Ryan specified special dust-reduction measures for the site to ensure compliance with regional regulations and to help speed the construction approval process.

Meanwhile, Ryan’s work on Target’s distribution center in Lugoff, S.C., required moving massive amounts of dirt. To make room for a 452,000-square-foot addition to the existing 1.35- million-square-foot facility, Ryan had to excavate into a nearby foothill and haul 250,000 cubic yards of soil off-site.

For each project, Target’s goal is to minimize downtime and allow Target employees to work uninterrupted. This requirement has presented some challenges to the normal construction process. Large panels of steel, for example, are fabricated off-site and cut into smaller sections to fit through doorways. Once inside, they are reassembled. Also, the construction zones are enclosed to capture dust when workers cut lumber.

“Flexibility and experience are needed when expanding existing structures,” Engh explained. “It’s imperative that Target employees continue daily operations. Our team adjusts the design and construction to accommodate everyone.”

The expansions have ranged in size from 190,000 to 452,000 square feet, with Ryan managing every phase of the remodeling processes. This process includes auditing the existing space and designing and building the new space, while working with local officials to ensure smooth inspection schedules.

Completed expansion and remodel projects include Shafter, Calif., Lugoff, S.C., Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Lake City, Fla.  Projects that are currently in progress include Rialto, Calif., Phoenix Ariz., Pueblo, Colo., Amsterdam, N.Y., and Denton, Texas.

About Ryan Companies, US, Inc.
Ryan Companies US Inc., a nationally recognized builder, designer, developer and real estate manager, has specialized in fully integrated solutions for more than 70 years. Ryan builds lasting relationships with a project delivery model based on full-service customized solutions and total collaboration – pairing the customer’s needs and expectations with the talents of a team of developers, financiers, architects, engineers, constructors and property managers. In addition to its Minneapolis office, Ryan has offices in Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, Tampa, Fla., and Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Des Moines, Iowa.

Editor’s note:
Interviews with Ryan executives are available by contacting Madeline Riggs at 612-455-1755 or mriggs@psbpr.com