Center for Dairy Research

The Pride of Wisconsin Dairy.



Center for Dairy Research (CDR) Addition at UW-Madison's Babcock Hall

November 2021 marked a significant construction milestone for the dairy industry with the substantial completion of the addition for the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Babcock Hall.

C.D. Smith Construction exterior photograph substantial completion of the addition for the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at UW-Madison's Babcock Hall

The CDR is known as one of the world’s premier dairy food research centers. With more than 30 researchers and scientists onsite, the CDR focuses on scaling down large-volume manufacturing and exploring functional, flavor and physical properties of cheese, cheese products and other milk components. In our own backyard the ‘Doctors of Dairy’ significantly influences the dairy industry, offering specialized training and short courses with over 1,400 industry personnel impacted annually.

 

C.D. Smith Construction Superintendent Dan Ottery headshot

 

“Food processing construction projects are unique.

 

We know from experience to be mindful of and take careful consideration of specific food processing, packaging and distribution processes.”

 

Dan Ottery, Superintendent for C.D. Smith


Unique Considerations

» Precise coordination of the sequence of events
» Adhering to rigorous food grade sanitary protocols
» Understand the technical properties of the project
» Avoiding condensation [a food processing plant's enemy]
» Installing adequately pitched floors
» Curving walls and corners to prevent bacteria build-up
» Providing room for expansion when installing cold storage
» Insulating equipment for minimum energy utilization
» Maintaining safe construction while accommodating ongoing student studies and faculty work

Three people making cheese at the Center for Dairy Research upon substantial completion by C.D. Smith Construction


The CDR + Babcock Hall Project was a two-phase project.

PHASE 1

The new construction addition includes:

  • CDR addition, housing two full floors
  • Research space
  • Ripening Rooms
  • Space for cheese vats
  • Four coolers
  • Three freezers
  • 14 specialty cheese rooms
  • Dry and cold storage space

Sargento Training Center interior at Center for Dairy Research UW-Madison's Babcock Hall

PHASE 2

Renovations to the Babcock Hall Dairy Plant included:

  • Babcock Hall renovation
  • First facelift in 70+ years
  • New Ice Cream maker
  • Freezer and cooler space
  • Improved raw milk receiving bay
  • New piping, pumps and valves

C.D. Smith Construction served as general contractor.

Ripening Rooms at Center for Dairy Research UW-Madison's Babcock Hall



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Dairy Plant Food Processing Projects in the News

UW-Madison Babcock Hall Dairy Construction Complete | Beneath the Hard Hat® Blog 04.2023

UW-Madison Babcock Hall Observation Deck


Discover more UW-Madison Babcock Hall Dairy Plant & Center for Dairy Research (CDR) Construction | Media News


 


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#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

C.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on FacebookC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on LinkedInC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on InstagramWebsite - Twitter - Icon-01C.D. Smith YouTube Videos Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Skilled Trades

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Beneath the Hard Hat®, our company press and blog, offers an intimate look at the people and stories that make C.D. Smith Construction. With the latest industry news and project updates, we share insights on the superior spaces we are safely delivering year-round. Our team of technical experts provides useful tips and topics to help plan your next commercial project.

 

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C.D. Smith Construction is an industry leader in safely providing the highest quality commercial construction services. Utilizing an integrated approach and self-performing trade services combined with technical expertise, our team serves as a solutions provider throughout all phases of a project, from planning through construction. With veteran leadership and a dedication to our employees and clients, we proudly place our name on projects of all sizes across the United States.

 

 


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