Farmer Brothers

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements.

RGA Architects spear-headed a design services team to provide Farmer Bros. Co. a state-of-the-art facility enabling the corporate offices to integrate seamlessly with the production, packaging, raw storage, and distribution functions. The facility features 85,000 square-feet of office space spread over two floors and connected to the roasting plant and distribution center. The HQ consists of various types of offices, meeting spaces, open collaboration areas, and laboratories, as well as a cafe and fitness center for staff. The project earned LEED silver certifications as well as an SQF Level 3 Food Safety certified facility. Tilt-up panels were used for all major structural walls as well as to demise interior spaces within the production facility. Formliner and reveals are the primary ornamentation to the wall panels. Wood panel and composite metal were used a decorative cladding on the tilt-up panels at the office area.

What obstacles were overcome related to the schedule, budget, program, specification, site, etc. on this project?

Being a corporate relocation, as well as a major re-work of the coffee roasting and packaging operations, schedule was a Major Driver. Coordinating the move of equipment from California as well as new equipment being manufactured overseas, required many panels to be redesigned and then delayed the lifting and placing of many panels until equipment could be set in place.

What is the potential for this project's impact on the community and/or environment?

Moving from their long-time facility in Fontana, CA, Farmer Brothers made a concerted effort to maximize efficiencies - both in their internal operations and throughout their supply chain. Since their carbon footprint tends to be dominated by the use of energy, a prime objective of the new roasting facility was to minimize energy consumption. The project brought approx. 300 new jobs to the town of Northlake and was the catalyst for Farmer Brothers SEED (social, environmental, and economic development) committee - an employee driven sustainability program.