CMI

Construction Materials, Inc.

How It Started

Project Summary

When Construction Materials, Inc. (CMI) a leading concrete construction provider for the highway heavy and commercial construction industries, began the process of designing a new facility for their Cedar Rapids warehouse and sales office, their vision was to expand their workspace and create room for future growth.

When kôr entered the scene, CMI was heading down a path that many businesses take in the design/build domain—working from the outside in. The proposed building plan incorporated all the requirements CMI provided. However, the architectural designed office was expensive and not yet vetted for optimum use of space as the distribution center had been.

Seeing the forest and the trees.

Discovered Issues

When we began working with CMI, it was important for us to discover all of the issues they were experiencing and document them. This would help our team select the proper testing we needed to verify their concerns and suspicions.

Lack of Communication
Many of the team members complained it was difficult to speak with the entire team.
High Distraction Levels
There was too many distractions and chatter around the offices.
Lack of Brand Image
As a rebar company in an industrial area, their building exterior and interior did not match their desired image.

Expensive Redesign
The new two story atrium was to be built with a full glass wall. This would be expensive to construct for the front entrance and two stairwells. Additionally, it would make it more difficult to heat and cool.
Poor Floor Plan
The reception area was too large and located away from the file room. This space layout did not support their work process.

Gathering the cold hard facts.

Testing and Validation

Our next step in the process was the test the concerns and discover what issues were the most severe. Below you will find what we discovered after data collection and what issues needed to be addressed immediately.

Sound Issues
After data was collected, we verified over 70% of the employees were experiencing sound issues around their work space.
Steep Utility Bills
Based on the Workforce Planning, we discovered the company was leaving over 1,000 square feet of their building underutilized.

Workplace Logistics
Based on mapping employee behavior, we discovered every single department was separated in the current building. This forced employees to travel from one side of the building to the other repeatedly.
Quiet Places
After conducting focus groups, we discovered employees wanted separate spaces to relax during their breaks.

“They spent time getting to know our business, asking us about things we hadn’t even considered, and proposing solutions that fit completely with who we are as a company.”

Dick GalliganPresident of Cedar Rapids Location

“Kor helped us achieve a much nicer atmosphere than we would have otherwise.”

Dick GalliganPresident of Cedar Rapids Location

kôr Recommendations

Roadmap to Success

Now that we had determined the severity of each issue, we developed their unique plan of attack.

Step 1: Construction
We advised CMI to consider building a new facility with the reduction of over 1,000 square feet.
- This would lower their construction costs by over $250,000.
- Additionally, it would reduce their utility bills by over 30%.
Step 2: Workplace Planning
We suggested a new workspace layout for each department.
- This new departmental layout would immediately increase employee productivity.
- This new layout would have designated working space and public spaces.
  
  Immediately reducing interruptions and noise from vendors.
Step 3: Future Growth
With this being part of the company’s objectives, it was necessary to plan for this.
- This new construction recommendation would include room for an additional 30% growth in the company.
- This would allow the company to utilize space for the next 5 to 10 years.
  
  This is all accomplished with 1,000 less square feet than before.

“We are extremely pleased with how everything came together. kôr helped us to think deeply about who we are and how we work.”

Dick GalliganPresident of Cedar Rapids Location

“Their design not only supported those things but helped us to be even more productive in the process. They really opened our eyes to new possibilities all around us.”

Dick GalliganPresident of Cedar Rapids Location

Project ROI

The Project Results

Below you will find the results of all of our implemented solutions:

Reduced Building Costs
There was a $313,000 reduction in initial building costs.
Utility Savings
There was a 30% reduction in monthly utility costs.

Future Growth
The ability to grow 30% without any additional construction costs.

Do you have questions?

We have answers.

Interested in learning more or want to discuss how we can help your company, please call us or contact us online.

Call (319) 362-0055 Contact Us

CMI

Project Summary

Discovered Issues

Lack of Communication

High Distraction Levels

Lack of Brand Image

Expensive Redesign

Poor Floor Plan

Testing and Validation

Sound Issues

Steep Utility Bills

Workplace Logistics

Quiet Places

Roadmap to Success

Step 1: Construction

Step 2: Workplace Planning

Step 3: Future Growth

The Project Results

Reduced Building Costs

Utility Savings

Future Growth

We have answers.

Contact Info.

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