Story

This project was completed for one of the landmarks of our city – The Grand Rapids Press.  Kent Companies was contracted by The Christman Company to undertake the challenge of the concrete work for the new 125,000 square foot printing facility over the winter of 2004.

The key to the project’s success was the installation of the Automated Paper Storage equipment.  The APS area of the building consists of a 2’-6” thick base mat and 24’ high walls.  This portion of the building contained most of the 9000 cubic yards and 400 tons of reinforcing steel that was placed in a very short duration.

Critical tolerances for concrete construction were required throughout the project.  Maximum tolerances of 15 millimeters were specified for a 500’ long topping slab.  Additionally, the main presses sit on an elevated concrete deck (25’x163’), which varies in thickness from 1’ to 4’-6” that was placed, finished and cured with an overall tolerance of 3 millimeters. The remainder of the facility’s floors was constructed within high FF/FL requirements, as well.

Quality and schedule were critical due to the specialized nature of the work being performed.  Engineers from Virginia, along with press designers form Germany, consistently made field inspections to ensure adherence to specifications.  Kent Companies was recognized for producing the highest quality concrete workmanship of the five press facilities under construction at that same time in Michigan.