Performance Fabricating
A 106,000-square-foot facility engineered around a clearspan structural system helps support heavy industrial loads, streamlined production flow and a bright, efficient work environment in a precision-built solution.
Project
Overview
Performance Fabricating has served major industrial and automotive customers for decades, supplying large-scale platforms, mezzanines, handrails and custom metal assemblies. As demand increased, the Miller family recognized their existing 20,000-square-foot facility could no longer support the company’s operational requirements or its long-term strategy.
A new, purpose-built headquarters was essential to maintain productivity, attract skilled labor and demonstrate the level of quality customers expect.
The Millers partnered with Rhoads & Johnson, a Butler Builder® with deep experience serving manufacturers across Michigan. From the outset, the collaboration centered on performance — designing a facility capable of handling high-capacity equipment while delivering a clean, modern work environment.
“Aesthetics is everything. When our customers come to see how the product is made, the first thing they see is the building. We wanted a bright, well-lit, good working environment for our team and to demonstrate to our customers the level of quality they’ll get by working with us,” said Chad Miller of Performance Fabricating.
The new facility needed to support 65 tons of high-bay cranes with clear movement paths for oversized assemblies. The structural system provided the strength and flexibility required for 80-foot bays, minimized interior columns and clearances of up to 26 feet under the cranes.
“Nobody in the area has a facility like this with 80-foot bays and 10-ton cranes. We then have 23 to 26 feet underneath our cranes. It’s what sets us apart,” said Miller.
Bringing powder coating in-house required additional space and uninterrupted workflow. Two 40-by-15-by-15-foot ovens were incorporated into the layout, enabled by the open structural clearances of the clearspan structural system.
Attracting and retaining skilled labor is critical in Michigan’s competitive manufacturing market. The new building strengthens Performance Fabricating’s position with a clean, bright environment supported by daylighting, efficient HVAC design and thoughtful workflow integration.
“As the automotive industry in this area continues to ramp up, attracting labor is a huge issue right now. Having a great place to work is a huge benefit,” said Kevin Johnson of Rhoads & Johnson.
Aesthetics is everything. When our customers come to see how the product is made, the first thing they see is the building. We wanted a bright, well-lit, good working environment for our team and to demonstrate to our customers the level of quality they’ll get by working with us.
Modern office design, a curved exterior wall and high ceilings elevate the building’s presence and reflect the company’s expectations for quality.
Enhanced features — including filtered drinking water, integrated weld-gas and compressed-air drops and dedicated break space — reinforce the Millers’ focus on employee well-being.
LED lighting with motion controls and the Thermawall™ insulated wall system reduce operational energy costs across the 106,000-square-foot facility. The SunLite Strip system adds further daylighting efficiency, lowering electrical use during peak production hours.
The building was designed with future growth in mind, using structural and wall systems that can be expanded efficiently if needed.
Speed to occupancy was essential. With disciplined execution from Rhoads & Johnson and their subcontractors, the project moved from footings to full occupancy in under six months.
The completed headquarters elevates Performance Fabricating’s operational capabilities and supports continued job growth in the region.
“This is the largest building in the Fenton township. I’m proud to bring this work to this area for these people. It’s good for our township. It’s good for Fenton. It’s good for this area," Miller said.
