JE Dunn led a design-build team to deliver an 893,600 square foot greenfield plant for Georgia-Pacific’s Dixie brand, the first new Dixie facility since 1991.
The plant includes manufacturing, warehousing, rail dock areas, maintenance shops, and a 16,000 square foot office area. The team designed and engineered a process wastewater pre-treatment system, process systems, IT and electrical infrastructure. JE Dunn managed procurement and commissioning of all infrastructure and major process equipment, including printers, compressed air with dryers, paper coating systems, conveying systems, and a trim paper collection system.
The project began with a six-month early engagement process, emphasizing collaboration across all disciplines. Georgia-Pacific's commitment to “design-build done right” focused on maximizing scope and reducing risk. The team adopted a “going slow to go fast” approach, building trust and aligning goals early on, which facilitated overcoming challenges swiftly.
The team optimized the program by bringing together the right people with the right skills, minimizing effort in decision-making. This approach reduced the building footprint by 200,000 square feet without sacrificing the program and achieved over $7 million in cost savings by transitioning from custom joists to K series joists.
The "one team" mentality fostered a culture of challenge and discovery, allowing the team to analyze budget, scope, and permitting through the lens of what was best for Georgia-Pacific. This transparency and collaboration eliminated silos and maximized long-term value.
The design-build process also focused on enhancing the employee experience to promote well-being and retention. Key components included a combined single-entry point for office and plant employees, natural lighting, noise abatement, and outdoor function areas.
Choosing by advantages played a crucial role in planning, ensuring the best decisions based on function and cost.