JULY 2011

ICG Makes Renovating Occupied Facilities A Snap

For United Conveyor Corporation (UCC), undergoing a complete renovation of its corporate office while 150 employees continued to work in the building was no small feat. The Waukegan, Ill.-based engineering firm sought an efficient contractor that would be sensitive to its employees' needs, and found what it was looking for in Interior Construction Group (ICG) Inc.

"Everyone at ICG had a respect for our business that they demonstrated throughout the project," says Phil Hauck, UCC's director of global supply chain and the company's project director for the renovation.

After spending more than 20 years in its two-story, 67,000-square-foot building, UCC needed an office update. Renovation plans included reconfiguring the office layout to provide more collaborative work space and take advantage of natural lighting; remodeling the lobby; putting in energy-efficient insulation; installing a new sprinkler system; and upgrading the building's communications infrastructure. When UCC evaluated bids from contractors, ICG's focus on interior construction work and the thoroughness of its proposal helped the contractor stand out from the pack.

"They were asking the right questions," Hauck says. "They really understood the project's main challenges."

ICG developed a detailed schedule for the project and, based on UCC's request, found a way to schedule the lobby renovation to overlap with two of the project's four phases. While the revised schedule was more aggressive, it helped ICG finish two months early.

ICG used the same creative problem-solving skills to minimize disruptions to UCC employees and work around tight conditions. ICG designated specific paths for its workers throughout the building, made sure that loud activities ended by 8 a.m., and used windows around the building's perimeter to bring in materials and remove debris. The high-level skills of ICG's workers were essential for many of the project's complex tasks, particularly installing the insulation. ICG also kept the construction space exceptionally clean and organized so that efficiency and safety were maximized.

"You could have walked the construction space in the dark, it was so clean," Hauck says.

The commitment and competence of ICG's project team kept the project running smoothly and quickly. Hauck aimed to turn around all construction-related decisions within four hours, and ICG was always prepared with information to help UCC make those decisions quickly. UCC bought its own light fixtures, carpeting and furniture, and ICG coordinated well with those outside vendors. When ICG encountered unexpected setbacks, such as collapsed ductwork in the building, the team devised solutions promptly. Even Mother Nature couldn't slow down ICG - the field superintendent was on-site the day after a blizzard dumped more than 2 feet of snow in the area.

Thanks to ICG's dedication, UCC is now enjoying its newly remodeled building earlier than expected. Hauck believes that contractors who are organized and efficient enough to finish construction ahead of schedule also usually perform the highest-quality work, and says ICG is living proof.

"Our primary business involves project management, so we understand what it takes to perform that role successfully," Hauck says. "ICG did its job very well, and we're pleased with the results."