Lifetime Products Mascot Facility
The Challenge
Lifetime Products was looking to repurpose an existing vacant 360,000 square-foot warehouse to expand to 700,000 square feet and accommodate 500 employees. They needed flexibility for efficient flow of truck traffic for shipping/receiving and accommodate specialized blow mold machines that are custom built in Germany, including a 50’ high bay manufacturing area.
The Solution
After evaluating several options, Barge Design Solutions was asked to provide architecture and engineering services for site development, rail spur, and expansion of the existing building. We extended the form of the warehouse and added complimentary high bay to accommodate the tall blow mold machines.
The successful installation of a new industrial rail spur crossing Mascot Road was a major milestone for the project. Difficult negotiation and coordination with Norfolk Southern Railway, Knox County Engineering, TDOT, and numerous utilities were necessary to obtain necessary approvals for this crossing with automated signalization.
The Barge Factor
Due to its local presence and strong relationships with agencies and utilities, Barge Design Solutions assisted the client and construction manager in efficiently navigating the necessary approval and permitting processes with Knox County, the Development Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway, Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB), AT&T, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation.