This project consists of a 90,000 square foot expansion to Northrop Grumman's existing manufacturing facility. The structure is a combination of concrete tilt panels up to 87 feet and structural steel. The skin is a combination of painted concrete, perforated metal panels, glass, and EIFS. The interior build-out will include clean rooms with a 10,000 SF transition bay with a clear height of 65 feet, and Integration and Test bays with clear heights of 55 feet. Office space within the expansion will include a lobby and conference rooms. Roughly 35,000 SF will be shelled for future build-out.
This project is notable due to the fact that it involved the successful lift of the heaviest concrete tilt panel in the United States and the 8th heaviest in North and South America. The panel weighed 504,000 pounds and stands at 87 feet, 7 inches.
The record panel required a uniquely specialized 850-ton crane, which was exported from California and assembled on-site days prior. Due to the massive size of the panels on the project, Suntec Concrete poured the slabs weeks prior to account for the lengthy curing process. Each panel measured 20 ft. 1 in. wide and 2 ft. thick, breaking records for size and required unique reinforcing considerations to execute this milestone.
In preparation for the tilt-up of the panels, the general contractor, Willmeng Construction, and Suntec Concrete partnered to increase the number of safety practice-runs and doubled the number of field workers to ensure each panel was placed safely and with the highest level of quality.
The expansion of this facility will provide reliable and affordable satellites for various Northrop Grumman customers including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Geological Survey and others. These satellites are used for a variety of high-profile satellite missions, including critical science missions and other programs to support our national security.
Project Location
Gilbert, AZ 85233
United States