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Fast, clean, and coordinated design for a growing pet nutrition brand

A leading pet nutrition producer saw growing demand for a new line of premium treats and needed to expand manufacturing capacity quickly. They asked our team to support the design and coordination of a 90,000-square-foot facility expansion engineered for full cleanability, efficient drainage, and a hygienic, hose-down environment. The project came with unique spatial constraints and evolving process needs, all while production continued onsite.

The Challenge

The client needs a streamlined way to bring a new treat line to market without slowing down existing operations. Their goals require:

• Hygienic, fully cleanable spaces with integrated drainage solutions.
• Coordination of utilities, process systems, and new electrical infrastructure within an active facility with limited available space.
• A design process capable of adapting to continuous updates.
• Maintaining project momentum through multiple owner review cycles while supporting ongoing facility operations.

Our Solution

The expansion had to tie into multiple existing wall systems while maintaining active production. Through early coordination and detailed modeling, we identified conflicts and helped integrate the addition with existing facility infrastructure. The project also required demolition of an existing waste dock and phased implementation to accommodate new site circulation and facility connections. This proactive approach gave the project team confidence to make decisions quickly while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations.

One Model, One Team
We led the full three-dimensional coordination effort and brought all project partners into a shared Navisworks model. This created a single source of truth that improved communication, accelerated decisions, and ensured every discipline worked from the same information, even as changes unfolded.

Clear, Clean Routing
Faced with limited space at grade, the team coordinated electrical distribution above the roof, drainage requirements, process equipment needs, and modifications to waste and loading dock circulation. Through detailed coordination among project partners, the facility’s expanding infrastructure requirements were successfully integrated into the addition.

Responsive Communication
As the client’s internal team shifted, we kept the project moving through proactive updates, organized documentation, and consistent touchpoints. Our goal was to make the process easier for them at every step, no matter what changed on their side.

The Impact

The project team delivered a coordinated design that positioned the client for continued growth and supported the successful execution of their premium treat line expansion. Through detailed modeling, proactive communication, and responsive problem-solving, the design supports efficient construction, minimizes disruption to ongoing operations, and provides a clear path toward increased production capacity.

Why Clients Choose Shive‑Hattery

• You lead. We guide. We listen closely, understand your operational priorities, and help you make decisions that support production.
• We coordinate proactively. By bringing stakeholders together around a shared model, we help teams move faster and work from the same information.
• We adapt alongside you. As project needs evolve, we respond quickly and keep progress moving forward.
• We know how to work in occupied facilities. Our team regularly supports projects in active manufacturing environments where safety, uptime, and coordination are critical.

Start the Conversation

If you are planning an expansion or preparing to bring a new product line to market, we can walk your floor with you and help uncover the best path forward.