On April 6th, Tuesday morning, we were honored to stand with representatives to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony of Spring Mountain Center’s future headquarters at Park 53 in Winder, GA.
Employee Spotlight: Tara Dillard
Employee Spotlight - Tara Dillard
At KBD Group, we know our employees are our greatest asset. We are excited to shine the spotlight on Tara Dillard. Tara has been with the company for 25 years. Tara works in the Accounting department along with eight other team members. She started as a receptionist and is now our Accounting Supervisor. Tara exemplifies our companies Core Values and has a deep knowledge of how our organization operates. She is a team player and collaborates well with other departments. We are incredibly grateful for Tara’s years of service to KBDG.
Interview with Tara: Q&A
Question: Why did you choose your profession?
I really didn’t choose my profession as a permanent position. I was on a waiting list for nursing school and applied to a temp agency for a job. The agency sent me to the Kajima office in Memphis for a Receptionist position and here I am today, still employed.
Question: What do you like most about working at KBDG?
I like the work environment; Everyone is so helpful and willing to assist when needed.
Question: What is your proudest moment at KBDG?
One of my proudest moments is being celebrated after receiving my graduate degree.
Question: What do you find the most challenging at KBDG?
Department coordination can be challenging sometimes.
Question: How has KBDG helped you in your career development?
My supervisors are very supportive and encourage the expansion of knowledge through continuing education courses, seminars, workshops, etc.
Question: What do you do when you’re not at work? Share a fun fact about yourself
I have a large family and enjoy spending time with them. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy event planning. I have 22 years in family reunion planning for 300+ people.
Question: What advice would you give to new hires?
Develop good working relationships with your peers. Teamwork is an essential key to getting the job done.
Read what our CFO and Controller have to say about working with Tara Dillard.
“I thoroughly enjoy working with Tara. Her dedication and commitment to the KBD Group are inspirational. Her ability to navigate through the incredible volume and complexities of paying subs and vendors help contribute to the success of the KBD Group.” – Bona Allen, SVP & CFO
“Tara is always willing to help others and step in wherever needed. She is a tremendous asset to KBD and everyone that she works with.” – Jennie Robison, Controller
QUICK LINKS
Navigating Through Construction Material Shortages
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the United States construction industry experienced major supply chain disruptions. With the increase in housing shortages in the United States, several companies were left with the difficult decision to halt work on their projects. Amid the return to normal life
Cold Storage
BUILDING REFRIGERATED
WAREHOUSE FACILITIES
Freezer/Cold Storage
Refrigerated Warehouse Construction
If your company supplies refrigerated frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, or other products then your first requirement will be warehousing those goods in a temperature-controlled room. At ‘Kajima Building and Design Group’ (KBD Group), we are experienced construction professionals who can build anything from a large, refrigerated warehouse to small freezer/cooler rooms to help keep your products cooled to the required specifications. There are always updates to building codes and regulatory compliance when it comes to building refrigerated warehouses and we have been supporting our clients’ needs while maintaining the proper safety requirements for their products. We understand that every client is unique due to the type of products that needs to be stored and cooled. Our focus is to build efficient facilities that meet our client’s utmost regulatory and performance requirements
Cold Storage Facilities Supported
Our team can provide solutions for your Cold Storage needs in providing Design services, General Contracting, Construction Management, and Design-Build Services.
- Freezer Storage
- Cold Warehouse Construction
- Food Processing Plants
- Pharmaceutical Cold Storage
- Insulated Panel Construction
- Freezer Wall, Floor and Ceiling Construction
- Blast Freezers
- Industrial Refrigeration
Why are we Eligible?
When it comes to building freezers and coolers, having a one-approach-fits-all plan is not a possible or effective one. Every refrigerated warehouse construction is unique. Detailed planning and customization are needed to achieve efficient functionality and produce the highest level of quality. Our professional team understands the importance of meeting the regulatory, safety, and energy efficiency compliance to monitor and maintain your operating costs and keep them low. Preserving that in mind, we work with you to come up with a personally tailored solution for your product demands and needs. We will provide a wide range of construction management services for your refrigerated distribution facility. With our One Team approach, we not only believe in fulfilling your expectations, but in exceeding them.
Our Process
The KBD Group team strives to create a dynamic, well-organized process for every refrigerated warehouse construction project. We emphasis customization and communication to deliver superior service. Our design-build service offers Owners a single point of responsibility for quality, cost and schedule adherence. This places all coordination in KBD Group’s hands, freeing the Owner to focus on its primary business.
It’s always a great opportunity to know the process in a better way. Let us take you along the condensed and major step of our process:
- Understanding your demands in an effective manner stands as a significant aspect for us. We put in our best to comprehend and define your approach via clear and comprehensive communication models.
- Our team will work in concert with you to develop a project design that secures your approval.
- We will provide you with a single source contract that covers the design and construction services for delivering your project.
- The contract incorporates cost-saving plans and detailed schedule information and approaches designed to deliver your project in the most expeditious manner.
- Our team commences the fieldwork once the documentation and legal responsibilities are fulfilled and the permitting is secured.
Plus, we keep you updated along the whole process from conception to turnover to assure that you are completely satisfied with the result.
Refrigerated Projects We Supported
If you are still not sure about our procedures and methods, let’s have a look at some of our recent projects and end users for our freezers and coolers:
UPS Pedricktown
HELPING TO KEEP YOUR PRODUCTS COOL!
Additional Services
Our professional team offers numerous services in addition to building coolers and freezers. Additional services include third-party logistics, process equipment installation, automated systems, and a lot more. KBD Group’s major market focus includes manufacturing, warehouse/distribution, and interiors. We make sure to provide you with a solution to any project that fits within your parameters of cost and schedule.
Warehouse Distribution Construction Keeps Growing
Warehouse/Distribution Construction Keeps Growing…KBD Group Is Meeting the Demand
Warehouse Construction Grows as KBD Group continually meets the demand.
In the middle of a Pandemic, Warehouse Distribution facilities are in high demand in the United States and KBD Group continues to show its strength in this construction market. In December alone, we signed 5 contracts, totaling more than 1.85 million SF. In March, we signed 4 new contracts, totaling 1.47 Million Square Feet. As of now (during the time of this article), we currently have 20 active Warehouse Distribution projects under construction, totaling 8.30 million SF of new facilities expected to be completed this year. These new projects are led by David Ledford, Vice President and Business Unit Leader for Warehouse Distribution South, and John Evans, Vice President and Business Unit leader for Warehouse Distribution North.
Contracts Signed and Under Construction
December 2020 | 5 Contracts
0
M SF
March 2021 | 4 Contracts
0
M SF
Current | 20 Contracts
0
M SF
We Know How to Build Warehouses
KBD Group understands that constructing distribution centers is highly complex and can involve advanced technology such as robotic systems (KIVA), AS/RS conveyor systems, multilevel storage, and climate-controlled systems to assure products are properly stored and distributed. We also understand that construction cost, market conditions, and land cost play major roles in building new facilities. However, we are experienced in maximizing land use with building size and site development and employ professional, confident, and passionate workers to do so. This means we can take the efficiency and performance of your business to the highest level, given our high standard of design and construction-related services.
Warehouse Technology Supported
- Robotic Systems (KIVA)
- AS/RS Conveyor Systems
- Multilevel Storage
- Climate Controlled Systems
- Cold Storage
Why Clients Trust KBD
With over 70 percent of repeated business, our clients have learned to trust us for their construction needs. We also have a strong market presence of building distribution facilities in the south. Our knowledgeable Pre-Construction Department understands the market and consistently offers a competitive price that is attractive to our clients. Furthermore, our strategic business partners and relationships with subcontractors give us an edge over our competitors. KBD Group prides itself in helping our clients meet their business goals and interests, by offering superior construction services which have helped countless clients with their business goals and interests. We strongly believe that your success is our success. Contact us to learn how we can help build your success.
Clients We Support
When there is a high demand which includes a tight deadline, our clients have consistently trusted our team to meet the demand. We build their facilities with quality while providing them an unbeatable price and highly experience subcontractors.
Other pages you may like:
Employee Spotlight: XiaoLi Zhang
KBD Group Employee Spotlight: XiaoLi Zhang
Distribution South Business Unit Leader David Ledford
CONSTRUCTION NEWS
David Ledford
Vice President / Distribution South Business
Unit Leader
Warehouse Distribution South
NEW WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION SOUTH
Vice President/
Business Unit Leader
With the rise of Warehouse/Distribution construction facilities in the South, we want to introduce our Business Unit Leader, David Ledford. He is responsible for supporting our Warehouse/Distribution Construction efforts in the South. Mr. Ledford is no stranger to the industry and has been working with large developers and businesses to help successfully build and expand their facilities. He is also an expert in managing multiple projects and as of today he is currently managing over 15 projects totaling over six million SF of construction on the South Side of the U.S Market.
About David Ledford
Mr. Ledford is bringing over 34 years of senior level construction and engineering experience to each distribution project in the South Side of the U.S. He has experience in the commercial and real estate construction sectors, and his areas of expertise include civil, industrial, office, and bulk distribution environments.
How does David Manage Multiple Projects?
- Planning ahead
- Staying organized
- Setting early expectations to project teams
- Being flexible and adapting to constant changes
- Staying calm in stressful situations
- And crossing one task off the list every day to avoid backlog
Responsibilities
Mr. Ledford is responsible for managing all major aspects of these projects. He supervises a range of project activities from start to finish and is responsible for fostering relationships and alliances between clients and other partners. Mr. Ledford is also serving as the direct liaison between the corporate management, the project staff management, and the company owner, and is providing direct executive oversight for the duration of the project.
We Want to hear about your next Project
KBD Group has a team of senior-level business and construction professionals ready to help answer any questions you may have. We are willing and ready to help you get started on your next project. At KBD Group we provide the highest standards of design and construction-related services that will maximize the efficiency and performance of your business. Please contact us to learn how we can help build your next project.
Warehouse Distribution Construction on the Rise
Big Box Warehouse Construction on the Rise
Women in Construction Week 2020
Women In Construction Week 2020
Recognizing Our Women in construction
We’re proud of the women in our organization paving a path of success for future generations. Learn more about our team members Kelly, Jessica and Kristi in an KBD Group introductory interview.
Other page you may like:
Building Tire Manufacturing Plants
AND MORE...
Main Article
Building Tire Manufacturing Plants
Many of us know that tires play a major role in driving the US economy. According to the Statistic Portal, in 2018, there were about 227.5 million licensed drivers in the United States, and tire sales are showing no signs of slowing down with a 5.9% increase since 2016.
KBD Group is proud to play a great role in helping the economy by providing design/build services for major tire companies around the United States. Over the past 10 years, KBD has built more than 15 million square feet of automotive-related manufacturing facilities, totaling $589+ million in investment. Of these projects, KBD has designed or constructed 17 tire manufacturing facilities totaling over 9 million square feet.
Goodwin explains the effect of this increase on KBD:
“Having been a part of multiple tire plant projects over the years, we have learned how to improve the process and become more efficient. We then apply this knowledge to our next planning process, and this greatly helps improve the way we complete the projects, and get plants operational in an expedited and smooth process.”
Additionally, Goodwin shares his insight regarding the company’s success with Expansion Projects:
“With expansion work, we learned to plan and seek-out critical details early in the design process. Seeking out these details allows us to identify issues which may cause a delay in the rest of the project if not dealt with early in the process. Inexperienced teams may see this as work to be coordinated in the field, but this mindset leads to complication and delays in the process.”
As tire manufacturers continue to expand in an effort to meet the demands of their customers and continued innovations in technology, KBD stands ready to help by providing the highest quality service to clients so they may maximize their business goals. Having provided design/build services for major tire manufacturers across the United States, KBD is proud to consider themselves tire manufacturing experts.
Please contact us to learn how we can help build your next project.