TÜV SÜD, a global leader in testing, inspections and certifications with headquarters in Germany, wished to expand and consolidate their Minnesota operations. They turned to Ryan for the development, design and construction of their new facility since we owned an appropriate site near their existing building and could deliver the necessary clean room expertise and accelerated schedule they needed.
The facility was designed around 13 large chambers for testing the impact of electromagnetic waves, water, dust and temperature on products as sizeable as a sports utility van. These intricate rooms are shipped from Europe as structural components, installed in recessed floors and undergo immediate certification. Specifications for issues such as floor flatness were exacting, requiring translation from metric into US customary units, in addition to adjusting for a multi-level foundation. The design also incorporated stringent security modifications since intellectual property is at stake when prototypes are tested. The facility provides more testing services than any other TÜV SÜD location worldwide and establishes a corporate benchmark for comfort and style.
Following the original facility’s completion, TÜV SÜD enlisted our design and construction expertise to complete a significant building expansion. Our Architecture + Engineering team designed for ultimate flexibility to accommodate for diverse future uses of the space, including a package testing area, microbiology labs and chemistry rooms. We utilized our industry expertise, proactive planning and communication skills to successfully lead the project to early completion, coordinating more than 15 groups—including lab consultants, equipment providers, medical gas suppliers, and acoustic and vibration consultants—to ensure the building would meet the needs for its many uses. Throughout the expansion process, our construction team prioritized the operational efforts of TÜV SÜD, ensuring employees were able to remain in the existing facility to preserve their work process and schedule.
