Location: Cookeville, Tenn.
Size: 500,000 sq. ft.
Complete: April 2021
Owner: Aphena Pharma Solutions Inc.
Phase I renovations at Aphena Pharma Solutions’ new Cookeville site located at the former Russell Stover Chocolates fulfillment center on Chocolate Drive. The 500,000 square-foot renovation project has allowed Aphena to consolidate two of its three Putnam County locations into one, up-to-date facility while also accommodating future growth areas in biologic packaging, cold chain storage, and 3PL distribution services.
J&S Construction coordinated with the building owner and Aphena, an industry-leading organization that provides contract packaging and manufacturing solutions for the pharmaceutical, consumer health and medical device markets, to customize alterations of a dormant site that was purpose-built for Russell Stovers’ manufacturing and packaging operations.
J&S Construction was brought to the table early in the process and contracted with both the landlord and tenant to help coordinate both DESIGN and RENOVATION of their respective spaces. Having the design and construction for both parties under one roof enabled the project to have an abbreviated schedule, reduced cost, and gave increased flexibility for the landlord and tenant to make profitable changes as the project proceeded.
Nearly vacant for more than 15 years, the manufacturing plant was successfully transformed into a world-class, global headquarters that now includes elegant executive suites, conference rooms, a human resource extension, sizable training room, ample administrative space, 3,000 square feet of break room area, and a beautifully-landscaped outdoor courtyard area. Fully-functioning packaging suites were also integrated into the renovated production space that consist of the internal infrastructure required to ensure full-capacity, clean room space operations.
J&S Construction was also responsible for grading the new employee parking lot; interior and exterior demolition; re-sealing portions of the existing employee parking lot and additional asphalt paving; interior polished concrete throughout warehouse; new brick veneer on portions of exterior and additional exterior façade upgrades of Nichia Panel at the new office entrance; and new cabinets/countertops for restrooms and kitchen/breakroom.
“This expansion is exciting news for Aphena, our customers and our communities,” said Aphena CEO Shawn Reilley. “The Solid Dose Division and recent Liquids Division expansions will establish Aphena’s position as one of the most diversified manufacturing and packaging companies in the pharmaceutical industry. These growth strategies will continue to offer our customers expanded project capabilities at every level, and it will create a very large employment opportunity, both in Cookeville and at our facility in Easton, Md.”
Headquartered in Cookeville since 2002, Aphena employs more than 400 people in Putnam County. For more information, visit www.aphenapharma.com.
