LaunchPM recently completed a high-profile project for Benchmark Electronics, one of the largest electronics manufacturing companies in the United States. Benchmark officially opened its newest Precision Technologies facility in Mesa, Arizona in March. Located off Baseline Road, the new facility boasts 64,000 square feet and is designed to provide numerous engineering and manufacturing solution services. Its most notable function will be supporting the production of semiconductor capital equipment.
Benchmark President and CEO Jeff Benck said at the ribbon-cutting, “Benchmark is a key solution partner to the capital equipment market worldwide and this new facility will enable us to support our customers in the U.S. and across the globe with next-generation manufacturing and engineering solutions.”
The company now has three manufacturing facilities in the Valley, including Phoenix, Tempe, and now Mesa. Benchmark’s headquarters is also located in Tempe. In addition to its Arizona locations, the company operates major production facilities in the US including California, Minnesota, Alabama and New Hampshire as well as several international facilities.
The LaunchPM team recently attended Benchmark’s grand opening celebration with a notable list of VIPs that included Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Mesa Mayor John Giles, Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson. Also in attendance was a selection of Benchmark customers and dignitaries representing multiple business sectors that are critical to the company’s expansion in Arizona.
The Project
LaunchPM was hired by Benchmark to manage and implement the interior buildout and tenant improvements of an existing shell building as well as the relocation of various equipment from the Tempe facility. The multimillion-dollar project included the construction of a state-of-the-art cleanroom, a large training room with audio-visual technology, a breakroom with energy efficient lighting system that maximizes the use of natural light, an open area for modular workstations and lounge areas for meetings and private offices. LaunchPM put together a detailed, phased construction plan and worked closely with the City of Mesa’s Economic Development Team to complete the project in 10 months.
The Challenges
Every project comes with its share of challenges. One of the biggest challenges LaunchPM faced on this buildout was the coordination and construction of the 7,200-square-foot cleanroom that had to be up to ISO 5, 6 and 7 standards and fully inspected and certified prior to completion of the entire project. Working with the city, LaunchPM was able to secure a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) that allowed Benchmark and inspectors access while LaunchPM kept construction on the project moving forward.
The cleanroom was designed to provide full control of the space temperature, humidity, airflow and airborne particles. Semiconductor cleanrooms control contaminants to ensure product viability.
The Result
The facility significantly expands upon the existing cleanroom capacity that Benchmark’s Precision Technology facilities have and provides further opportunities for the vertical integration of key systems like TIG and electron beam welding, precision cleaning and other chemical finishes.
Benchmark’s new facility increases the vertical integration of production processes in Arizona. In addition, it will add one hundred new jobs in Mesa. Benchmark also plans to invest another $20 million in its Mesa and Tempe facilities.
LaunchPM is proud to work with Benchmark and the City of Mesa on this vital new business project that is adding jobs and opportunities to the community.
If you are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable project management team, LaunchPM has extensive experience in construction project management across numerous sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, office and nonprofits. Reach out to us and we can talk about your tenant improvement project or ground-up build today.
