Case Study — Ultrafast Systems

Mobilizing Development with a Warehouse Expansion

Ultrafast Systems is a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of laser spectrometers with a focus in providing researchers with advanced and relevant tools. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida and finding itself quickly growing in demand in the regional and national markets, Ultrafast developed plans to expand its current warehouse facility to accommodate growth in operations, manufacturing, and personnel.

The Firmo Construction team stepped into the project as Ultrafast’s plans were finalized. In partnership with Ultrafast and in consideration of their compressed timeline, Firmo quickly applied for a building permit to execute the million-dollar improvement as efficiently as possible.

The expansion included: adding a second floor of 8,000 square feet to the existing Ultrafast warehouse, nearly doubling its spatial capacity; logistically adapting the expansion to a warehouse-style configuration; creating an addition consistent with the building’s current appearance, from the exterior structure to the windows installed; and enhancing the insulation to ensure a temperature-controlled work environment.

The second-floor addition included five new labs for future hires, thirteen new offices for the operations and executive team, and a new elevator to ensure ADA compliance and accessibility. Firmo collaborated with Ultrafast Systems’ team to ensure the company continued to operate peacefully throughout construction, managing activities carefully to minimize disturbance. Bringing its expertise in generating innovative building solutions, Firmo was able to retrofit the layout of the space to incorporate adding the new elevator shaft as well as reinforce the structure of the building to withstand the heavy equipment that would be installed in the labs and utilized for laser manufacturing.

Additionally, Firmo adapted the build out to address a low ceiling challenge by installing low- profile fixtures that wouldn’t interfere with tall machines and equipment, promoting ease of mobility. Taking special consideration for the HVAC system due to a high temperature environment, Firmo installed a system that would withstand the output of heat from Ultrafast’s laser equipment.

Since the company planned to manufacture its products on the second floor, Firmo built a customized gate system that would accommodate a forklift and heavy machinery for transportation.

The Firmo team was efficient with the timeline and the high-tech build out of the expansion, ready for the first round of inspections within three weeks of issuing permits, minimizing disruption for the company and meeting its timeline. Firmo’s partnership with Ultrafast Systems on its expansion took a total of 5 months and helped mobilize the company for its rapid development within half a year.

If you are interested in a new commercial development or office remodel, or want to find out more about this project, please contact Eric Collin with Firmo Construction at eric@firmoconstruction.com