Expanding a Manufacturing Facility Without Stopping Production

Six Months. Zero Disruptions.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, expanded its Appleton, Wisconsin campus to enhance quality, efficiency and production capacity. While straightforward in scope, the project demanded precise execution due to its location within an active manufacturing environment and the requirement to maintain uninterrupted operations.

What the Expansion Involved

The focal point of the project was the expansion of the paint line warehouse. The single-story building addition provided a new 21,350-square-foot steel and concrete facility used to queue unpainted fire truck products entering the paint line.

Concrete and Structural Steel Self-Perform

C.D. Smith Construction served as the general contractor and self-performed both the concrete and structural steel work. Learn more about C.D. Smith's self-perform capabilities.

Six Months, Full Operational Access

From start to finish, the project was completed in just six months, an efficient, in-and-out execution that met the client's expectations for quality, safety and schedule while maintaining full operational access throughout construction.

Execution Matters Regardless of Project Size

This project demonstrates that even when the scope isn't the largest or most complex, execution still matters. Pierce relied on C.D. Smith to deliver a clean, professional build without disruption, and that's exactly what was achieved. It reflects the confidence clients place in C.D. Smith Construction to get the job done right, regardless of size or complexity, while respecting ongoing operations and business needs.

Key Takeaways

• At Pierce Manufacturing's Appleton campus, C.D. Smith delivered a 21,350-square-foot paint line warehouse expansion in six months while maintaining full operational access throughout construction.
• The new steel and concrete facility gives Pierce space to queue unpainted fire truck products entering the paint line.
• C.D. Smith served as general contractor and self-performed the concrete and structural steel work.
• The project was completed within an active manufacturing environment while maintaining uninterrupted operations.
• Execution remained important regardless of the project's size or complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the Pierce Manufacturing expansion include?

The project added a 21,350-square-foot, single-story steel and concrete paint line warehouse at Pierce Manufacturing's Appleton, Wisconsin campus, used to queue unpainted fire truck products entering the paint line.

How long did the Pierce Manufacturing paint line warehouse expansion take?

The project was completed in six months from start to finish while maintaining full operational access throughout construction.

What work did C.D. Smith self-perform on the Pierce Manufacturing project?

C.D. Smith served as general contractor and self-performed the concrete and structural steel work.

How did construction affect Pierce Manufacturing's ongoing operations?

Full operational access was maintained throughout construction and Pierce Manufacturing's operations continued uninterrupted.

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Spring 2026| Author: Molly Haack

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Related C.D. Smith Resources

Explore additional industrial construction news and insights or read the original Pierce Manufacturing feature in the Spring 2026 edition of Beneath the Hard Hat.