NB Coatings, a leading supplier of automotive coatings and paint-on-plastic solutions for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers across North America, sought to consolidate three facilities into one centralized Midwest distribution center. To support this initiative, the company required a highly specialized facility capable of handling high-hazard paint storage while maintaining operational efficiency and supporting future growth.

The Challenge

NB Coatings needed a new facility in Northwest Indiana that would consolidate three existing operations into a single location while accommodating the unique requirements associated with storing and distributing automotive coatings. The project required specialized fire protection, containment systems, and ventilation infrastructure, all while meeting an accelerated timeline and maintaining cost competitiveness.

Becknell’s Approach

Becknell’s experience developing facilities for manufacturing and coatings users enabled the team to work closely with NB Coatings to understand its operational requirements and create a facility tailored to its specialized storage and distribution needs. Becknell’s expertise allowed the team to quickly evaluate, design, and price the unique improvements necessary to support high-hazard materials while maintaining schedule certainty.

The strategy focused on:

• Consolidating three facilities into one centralized distribution center.
• Designing a facility capable of supporting high-hazard paint storage requirements.
• Accelerating delivery through integrated development and engineering expertise.
• Providing a strategically located site with access to four major interstates and proximity to O’Hare Airport.

The Solution

Becknell delivered a 124,800-square-foot purpose-built distribution facility within Northwind Crossings Business Park in Hobart, Indiana. The building incorporated specialized systems including foam fire suppression, containment curbing, spill management infrastructure, fireproof structural elements, and advanced ventilation systems designed specifically for automotive coatings storage and distribution. The facility enabled NB Coatings to consolidate key manufacturing and distribution functions into a modern, efficient operation while supporting long-term business objectives.

The NB Coatings project highlights Becknell’s strengths in industrial development, specialized facility design, and occupier-focused solutions. By delivering a facility tailored to complex operational requirements and supporting a successful multi-site consolidation strategy, Becknell helped NB Coatings improve efficiency, streamline operations, and position the company for continued growth.