KRUSINSKI COMPLETES FOLLETT EXPANSION

Krusinski Construction Company has completed a $9 million addition for Follett Educational Services at 1433 Internationale Parkway in Woodridge, Ill.

The expansion added 136,000 square feet to Follett’s 174,000-square-foot distribution center, including 100,000 square feet of warehouse space and 36,000 square feet of office space. In the office area, Krusinski added an 8,000-square-foot high-tech data room to serve as a central data hub for more than six Follett companies. The data center required its own uninterrupted power system, HVAC, electric room and separate plumbing and fire protection.

Follett employees worked at the distribution center throughout the project, prompting Krusinski to create a safety plan to protect employees onsite. According to Michael J. Metz, project executive, communication was key to creating a safe work environment.

“Communication with Follett’s on-site management team was a top priority,” said Metz. “We kept our warning signs updated and monitored access points, but the communication from Follett management to its staff proved to be most effective.” Krusinski built the company’s original facility in 1999. Employing more than 100 people at this facility, Follett’s distribution center is located on a 9.35-acre site with parking for 434 cars.

John Becker was the project engineer and Jeff Lycan was the project superintendent for Krusinski Construction Company. Al Arns of AGA Architects was the project architect. Follett, a 133-year-old family-owned company, is the largest provider of K-12 reconditioned textbooks and instructional materials.