Rakks Manufacturing Facility Renovation

The Full Transformation of a Building into a Facility Designed for Innovation and Lean Manufacturing

This project is renovating an existing one-story building into a design and manufacturing facility for modern architectural shelving systems. Rakks designs and manufactures all of its products at this facility in Westborough, Massachusetts. The construction work was completed in two major phases. The scope in phase one included demolition and abatement of interior spaces, installation of new MEP/FP systems, roof replacement, electrical and sprinkler closets, and other miscellaneous repairs. Phase two included an office space fit-out, a new façade, a solar panel system on the roof, exterior signs, an exterior patio, and other site improvements. This fit-out also included new bathrooms and shower facilities for the employees.

During the preconstruction, laser scanning was used to develop a BIM model of the interior and exterior of the existing building to support MEP coordination activities. The project team utilized Lean Pull Planning to collaborate with subcontractors and organize the work on an accelerated schedule. Self-perform work included demolition, general labor, general carpentry, and concrete.

Project Highlights

• A complex site logistics plan was needed for the project as it’s located on a busy highway along Route 9 and next to a large home improvement store in Westborough, MA.
• DOC worked as the design-builder on a full M/E/P systems upgrade for the building.
• The project site is adjacent to wetlands along the Assabet River. The team coordinated with the Westborough Conservation Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MASSDEP).
• The DOC team worked closely with National Grid for the installation of new electrical services and a transformer.
• The construction included a large solar panel installation on the roof that provides primary power to the building and its HVAC systems. We worked with SolBid, a premier commercial solar energy company, on the design and installation of these solar panels.
• The new parking area incorporated the installation of an EV charging station for use by employees and guests.