Client
Wilkast
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Year
2022
After outgrowing their previous three buildings, Wilkast came to First Companies to construct a new, state-of-the-art facility near US-131. The 61,500 SF building gives Wilkast 8,000 SF of office space, 40,000 SF dedicated to the manufacturing of their products, and room to grow. First Companies utilized precast concrete for the main building and conventional steel for the attached office area. Walking into the facility visitors are immediately struck by the high-end lodge design and abundance of natural light.
To ensure efficiency and cleanliness, construction included in-ground plumbing and polished concrete floors. The plan also included increased ceiling height to accommodate bigger, taller cranes and die cast machinery that would not fit in their previous locations.
Given this building was constructed in 2022, the team had to overcome utility company and supply chain delays as well as a shortage of available workers. They also had to carefully manage the work sequencing of a process-heavy industrial facility, including the installation of equipment and utility requirements.
“This is the first time we’ve undertaken a project like this, and we didn’t really know what to expect. First Companies made it very enjoyable and did an excellent job of guiding us through the design and construction process. They made our vision come alive. It truly was a team effort with First Companies, Dixon Architecture, and all of the subcontractors.”
– Tom Wilkerson








