LOTUS BAKERIES, PHASE 2   >   MANUFACTURING FACILITY

Architect The Dennis Group, LLC

Mebane, NC

SIZE —

112,000 SF

PROJECT DELIVERY —

CM/GC

Europe’s favorite cookie with coffee calls for a carefully designed manufacturing environment to keep up with its growing demand.

This 112,000 SF bakery addition is part of Lotus Bakeries’ long-term plan to consolidate its distribution efforts. Not only does this facility produce the caramelized cookies and snacks we all know and love, but it allows the company to package and deliver them all in one place.

To make room for the ovens, conveyors, and processing machines necessary, the company required at least 108 linear feet of uninterrupted floor space for its equipment in this Phase 2 build. The challenge: Overcoming material item shortages thanks to COVID-19.

The bar joist system originally intended for this facility carried a 4–5-month lead time. Our Samet team came up with the idea to use fabricated steel truss members along with structural steel roof beams to accommodate the 108 linear foot request. Not only did this creative decision save the client money, but it allowed us to build on schedule.

Thanks to the innovation of this facility, Lotus Bakeries can produce approximately 4,000 cookies per minute! We can only imagine how good it smells on the line.