Firth Rixson

LOCATION: Midway, GA

OWNER: Firth Rixson

ARCHITECT: Randall Paulson Architects

This $28 million dollar project consists of 3 buildings. Building A is a 118,778 SF building which is used for the main manufacturing for the 300 MN & 50 MN press pits. The main press/ forge is one of only two in the world. Due to the extreme weight of the press, the pit area required extensive H piles driven to 80 feet below grade. The main press area and work area is 45 feet below existing grade and 22 feet below sea level which required the area to be completely enclosed with sheet piling to provide for deep dewatering during construction. Building A also includes a 3,500 SF heat treat tank that sits 16 feet below the building FF elevation. There is over a mile of deep trenches that are used for the electric, hydraulic, and natural gas line which support the press, pump room, and furnaces. The project includes 45 ton bridge cranes and, because of the capacity of the cranes, all columns are supported on H piles and caps. The building is designed to withstand Category Five hurricane winds and surge. Building A also includes 8,500 SF of support offices for the facility as well as 5,000 SF of employee areas including restrooms, locker rooms, and the break area.

Building B is a 57,824 SF Machine shop and testing building. Building C is a 30,000 SF Machine shop as well.