VOBEV - BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING & DISTRIBUTION

Article by: Luke Peterson - Project Manager

A First in the US

Last year, I had the pleasure of writing an article discussing a new design build project that GSL was working on. At that time the project was known as the Exeter Warehouse and GSL was involved in both the design and construction of the electrical systems within. Exeter had a massive footprint and with that amount of space it was hard to imagine how it was going to be utilized. GSL’s design and construction teams have once again been called upon to provide their services for this facility. Known now as Vobev, this impressive 800,000 square foot facility is the first of its kind within the United States, and it’s been quite a pleasure to maintain our involvement in the project.

ON A ROLL!

Vobev is an All-In-One Canning facility. Unlike traditional operations where finished components are created at separate locations, shipped in, and combined in final processing, Vobev is equipped to handle each step of that process in-house. To accomplish this Vobev implements numerous proprietary methods that allow for the conversion of massive rolls of aluminum sheeting, weighing in at 30,000 pounds, into properly forged cans fit for all kinds of beverages. Of course, manufacturing the cans is only on part of the whole process, and you can’t call your self an “All-in-one” solution without having all the other bases covered. Cans go through additional processes to provide labeling, filling, and sealing, so that products are ready for distribution as they come off the line.

The grand scope of Vobev meant that our design and field teams put in 190,000 linear feet of conduit, housing over one million feet of cabling throughout the facility. As you can imagine, the power demands of a manufacturing and distribution plant like Vobev are considerable. We installed a Primary 12,470 volt service at 1200 amps, with an additional 480 volt 6000 amp service as well. 

A collaborative effort

GSL’s continual involvement in the design and construction of the Vobev facility has led to it becoming one of our largest Design-Build projects to date. Working through all phases of construction has meant that our teams have worked with multiple clients, including InterTech, Sirq, and MSI General.  The demands of the project required that we maintained a sizable crew onsite, averaging around 20 electricians, but peaking to at 40 tradesmen when the schedule mandated. Our crews ultimately contributed a whopping total of 95,000 labor hours across all phases, and I am appreciative of the efforts of all the people who helped bring this project to the finish line.

Soon, people everywhere will be able to enjoy all kinds of beverages that began their life in this state-of-the-art facility. As a turnkey facility this project provides manufacturing, logistical, and administrative solutions to the beverage marketplace, and we are proud of the role we played in providing a comprehensive electrical design and installation to make it a reality. We look forward to cracking open a can and sharing a drink with you all soon!