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4-Day Flooring Makeover: High-Performance Flooring Solution for Manufacturing

Project Overview

The client requested a new floor coating system for a newly launched production line. The existing concrete required thorough surface preparation and durable coatings to withstand the demands of their operations. The biggest challenge was the tight 4-day timeline for completion, as similar flooring projects typically take 2-3 weeks.

Clear epoxy urethane on a 20,000 square foot factory floor

About the Client

The client operates within the beauty and personal care industry, serving both established brands and emerging companies. They run facilities across the US, offering a wide range of products such as skincare, beauty products, hand soaps, OTC topical drugs, sun care, hair care, and fragrance items.

  • 12 manufacturing facilities across the US, Canada, and Europe
  • Over 3,000 employees
  • 225 filling lines
  • 4+ million square feet of space

Project Scope

  • Size of Project: 20,000 sq. ft. of new production line flooring
  • Location: Middlebury, Indiana
  • Flooring System: HighWear epoxy-urethane system designed for demanding environments

Challenges

  • Existing Floor Conditions: The previous flooring had been used for past operations, and the coating had deteriorated over time. There were worn-out areas that needed patching, and the floor was overall in poor condition.

  • Time Constraints: The client required a completion timeframe of only 4 days, a much tighter schedule than usual, where projects of this scope would normally take 2 to 3 weeks.

  • Client Needs/Goals: The client sought a floor that would not only provide a fresh, modern appearance but also be easy to maintain and highly durable.

The Industrial Flooring Solution

  • Recommended Flooring Type: We recommended removing the old coating, resurfacing the concrete, and applying a high-wear epoxy-urethane coating. This system is ideal for multi-use manufacturing environments, providing both impact and chemical resistance to meet the client’s operational needs.

  • Design Considerations: The client wanted to retain the concrete look while ensuring it had the necessary resistance to stains and chemicals for longevity in their high-traffic manufacturing areas.

  • Customization: The customer requested a low-sheen finish with mild slip resistance to meet both aesthetic and safety requirements for their workforce.

  • Installation Process: Although this size of project would typically require 2-3 weeks, we leveraged a skilled workforce to expedite the process, completing the entire installation in just 4 days to meet the client's strict timeline.

Implementation

  • Project Timeline: The project began with an initial consultation, followed by a quick scheduling and design phase. With the project timeline tightly compressed, Preferred, Inc. - Fort Wayne was able to deliver the floor in just 4 days from start to finish.
  • Challenges Overcome: During installation, we learned that a concrete pit would be added by a separate contractor after our work had begun. We collaborated closely with the general contractor to devise a solution that would allow us to finish the coating in a shorter duration while keeping up with the tight schedule.

Results & Outcomes

The new flooring significantly improved both the appearance and functionality of the client’s production space, streamlining operations while enhancing the overall aesthetic. The high-wear epoxy-urethane system boosted the floor’s durability, providing resistance to wear and chemicals, which not only reduced the need for frequent maintenance and repairs but also promised long-term cost savings for the client.

Clear epoxy urethane on a 20,000 square foot factory floor