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Industrial Facility Design Supporting Business Growth | VerHalen | C.D. Smith

Written by Molly Haack | Jul 28, 2026 5:06:00 AM

VerHalen: Built to Perform + Grow

Growing companies eventually reach a point where their facilities begin limiting efficiency. The challenge is in creating a facility that improves operations today while providing flexibility for tomorrow.

For VerHalen Inc., that meant relocating its showroom and warehouse closer to the Fox Valley market while increasing vertical storage capacity within a footprint similar to its previous location. The result is a new 85,000 SF industrial and corporate facility in the Town of Lawrence, Wisconsin designed to support continued growth while improving operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways

  • A new 85,000 SF industrial and corporate facility supports VerHalen Inc.'s continued growth with a 65,500 SF warehouse and an 18,950 SF office.
  • Relocating closer to the Fox Valley market improved accessibility while increasing vertical storage capacity within a similar footprint.
  • C.D. Smith self-performed concrete foundations, interior slabs, masonry and structural steel erection, providing direct control over quality and schedule.
  • Specialized spaces, including a training facility and onsite paint booth, supported workforce development and daily operations.
  • Durable structural systems were selected to support long-term performance and lifecycle value.

Built to Support Continued Growth

A new 85,000 SF industrial and corporate facility now supports VerHalen Inc.'s continued growth in the Town of Lawrence, Wisconsin. The project includes a 65,500 SF warehouse and an 18,950 SF office designed to improve operational efficiency.

Strategically located along Interstate 41, the facility relocates VerHalen's showroom and warehouse closer to the Fox Valley market while increasing vertical storage capacity within a footprint similar to the company's previous location.

Built for Daily Operations

The facility incorporates Pella windows and doors wherever possible and includes specialized spaces such as a training facility and an onsite paint booth to support workforce development and day-to-day operations. These spaces reflect a facility designed around how the business works today while supporting future needs.

Self-Perform Construction Supports Quality and Schedule

The low-rise, three-story structure features masonry load-bearing walls, structural stud framing and high-capacity roof decking engineered for durability and long-term performance.

C.D. Smith self-performed the concrete foundations, interior slabs, masonry and structural steel erection, providing direct control over quality and schedule throughout construction.

Designed for Long-Term Performance

Durability was built into every major structural system. Masonry load-bearing walls, structural stud framing and high-capacity roof decking were selected to support the long-term demands of an active industrial environment while reducing lifecycle maintenance needs.

The completed facility reflects C.D. Smith's experience delivering high-performance industrial construction for repeat clients seeking durable, scalable facilities designed to support continued business growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be considered when planning an industrial facility expansion?

Industrial facility expansions require careful planning around operational continuity, storage and workflow efficiency, proximity to customers and markets, building system durability and flexibility for future growth. Engaging a construction partner early helps align facility design with both current needs and long-term business goals.

What are the advantages of self-perform construction?

Self-performing critical scopes such as concrete, masonry and structural steel gives the construction team greater control over quality, coordination and scheduling throughout the project.

How can facility design support long-term business growth?

Well-designed industrial facilities improve operational efficiency while creating capacity for future expansion. Strategic location, flexible operational spaces and durable building systems help businesses adapt as needs evolve.

How can warehouse design improve operational efficiency?

Warehouse design affects how materials move, how inventory is stored and how efficiently people and equipment can operate within the space. Vertical storage capacity, clear span layouts, dock placement and access routes all influence day-to-day efficiency and long-term throughput.

Why is facility location important for manufacturing and distribution?

Facility location affects access to customers, suppliers and transportation networks. A strategically located facility can reduce delivery times, lower logistics costs and position a company closer to the markets it serves, all of which contribute to operational efficiency and competitive advantage.

What features improve the long-term durability of an industrial building?

Masonry load-bearing walls, structural stud framing and high-capacity roof decking are among the building systems that contribute to long-term durability. These systems are engineered to withstand the demands of active industrial environments while reducing maintenance needs over the life of the facility.

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Date: Spring 2026 | Author: Molly Haack

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