Sanofi, Taylor Distribution Center
Project Type: Life Sciences
Location: Taylor, PA
Services: Architecture, Engineering
Size: 101,400 SF
Sanofi operated a Distribution Center in Scranton, PA. Their vision was to construct a new (Greenfield) facility to improve operational flow and productivity and have the potential to accommodate future expansion. To reach this goal, Highland Associates was commissioned to design a new conditioned distribution facility.
The new one-story, 75,400 sq. ft. conditioned distribution facility houses a storage packing area, temperature controlled storage room, refrigerated storage area (2°-8°C) and freezer (-20°C) area, rack storage, shipping/packing and receiving docks, administrative, cafeteria and support areas, and a 13,400 sq. ft. warehouse space for VaxServe, a Sanofi Pasteur Company. The warehouse shipping/packaging areas and refrigerator areas are equipped with an automated material handling conveyor and sorter system.
Highland Associates was subsequently contracted by Sanofi to provide comprehensive architecture, engineering and interior design services for a 26,000 square foot expansion and renovation project. Encompassing warehousing and office functions, this fast tracked project was the result of the introduction of Sanofi designating the Taylor facility as the main distribution center for a new medication production line.
The warehouse addition is approximately 18,000 square feet with five (5) loading docks. Designed and built for 24/7 operation, this addition meets the requirements of being a fully conditioned and non-combustible building and is FM approved. The criteria of non-combustion heavily influenced the selection of construction materials used for the exterior walls and roof system. The structural steel building system is designed for future mechanization with the capability of switching from storage to distribution. Building systems considerations included utilization of 50 ton rooftop units providing for an environmentally consistent atmosphere; electrical extension of existing services with upgrade for new service supporting emergency back-up generator; and design of a fire code compliant sprinkler system. Where the addition meets the existing structure minor modifications were made to accommodate two new areas housing H3 and H4 hazardous materials. The five bay loading dock area features one bay with a dock and truck leveler and the remaining four with dock levelers.
Other considerations involved minor modifications to the dock area to improve circulation for newly configured processing stations and layouts. A unique aspect of the 8,300 square foot office renovation and modernization project was Sanofi’s desire to change the existing work space configuration to reflect their new corporate culture of teaming and collaboration.
As the primary goal was team collaboration, the resulting design solution necessitated the elimination of physical barriers associated with traditional closed office and high wall cubical systems. The new office space supports state-of-the-art technology and utilizes an open table concept. This system is highly adaptable and flexible as Sanofi’s workforce is a combination of telecommuters and fixed office staff. With the reconfiguration from closed to open work space, excess space was reconfigured into a combination of huddle rooms; an open collaborative area with soft seating, a small conference room and a large conference room. Aesthetic considerations were to establish a current, active, dynamic, and fun pallet that would not be too trendy and stand the test of time. The design incorporated an updated palette and finish materials. The renovation also included common and support spaces within the office area consisting of fully functional cafeteria / training room, restrooms/locker rooms and receiving office and lounge facilities that serve both office and warehouse staff.
