Tetra Plastics

If you put on your new pair of “Air Jordan” shoes to tour the new Tetra Plastics plant, you’d be right in step with the St. Charles, Missouri company. That’s because Tetra (a subsidiary of Nike, Inc.) is the exclusive producer of the “air insole” for Nike shoes worldwide.

When Clayco Construction Co. of Hazelwood, Mo. Was chosen to build Tetra’s new office and manufacturing facility, tilt-up was the method of choice. The 220,000 square foot structure was completed in eight weeks on May 1, 1995, at a cost of $38.60 per square foot. Tilt-up allowed Clayco to both create a high-tech look that complemented the Nike corporate image and bring the project in on budget.

Aesthetics were satisfied through the use of substantial amounts of architectural spandrel glass, rustication bands and wall undulations.

Practical considerations were satisfied by constructing an interior tilt-up wall separating the office and manufacturing areas. This wall protects the office area from noise and fumes, and creates a tough, durable area for production. More than 72,750 square feet of tilt-up panels, 8-inch and 11 ¼-inch thick, were used in the entire project. The building called for a clear height of 24 feet.