#United States #Manufacturing #Denver #PCL Construction #Andrew Ahrendt

PCL Construction Launches Manufacturing Center of Excellence

PCL Construction has recently announced the establishment of a new Manufacturing Center of Excellence, heralded by the appointment of Andrew Ahrendt as its leader. This strategic initiative aims to harness the growing trend of reshoring production back to the United States and Canada, in response to global supply chain vulnerabilities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising international tensions.

The Vision Behind the Center

The Manufacturing Center of Excellence is poised to gather an array of manufacturing specialists from various PCL locations, uniting their expertise within a single, well-organized team. This collaboration is designed to streamline the planning and execution of new plant facilities, engineering, construction, and production start-up processes, enhancing operational efficiency for clients across North America.

According to Deron Brown, the President and COO of PCL's U.S. operations, Ahrendt's extensive leadership experience—spanning three decades—positions him exceptionally well to innovate within smart manufacturing environments while ensuring high-quality delivery to PCL's key clients.

Addressing Supply Chain Challenges

As the manufacturing landscape evolves, the need for domestic production of essential goods has become more critical than ever. Over the past year alone, approximately $189 billion was invested in new manufacturing facilities within the U.S., reflecting the sector's significance, contributing 10.2% to the country's GDP. With the unfortunate backdrop of a global supply chain still reeling from past disruptions, PCL's initiative presents a timely opportunity to address these challenges head-on.

Ahrendt remarked, "The rapid advancements in AI and Industry 4.0 technologies, coupled with shifts in global market demands, are redefining the manufacturing environment. I’m eager to lead PCL during this transformative period for the industry."

PCL’s Proven Track Record

With a solid history in the planning, design, and construction of diverse manufacturing facilities, PCL continues to expand its portfolio. The company has successfully delivered over 48 million square feet of manufacturing space, amounting to more than $25 billion in project value. A few notable projects include the optimization of twelve manufacturing lines spread across three plants for a prominent global packaged food manufacturer and the expansion of semiconductor manufacturing facilities for ONTO Innovations in Minnesota. Furthermore, PCL has partnered with Uponor, completing 16 expansions over the last 14 years.

The new Manufacturing Center of Excellence will venture into various sectors, including food and beverage, agribusiness, process and chemical industries, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, battery and electronic production, life sciences, medical devices, and logistics services.

Leadership and Future Prospects

Ahrendt is widely recognized in the manufacturing domain, contributing significantly as a council member with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) since 2022 and holding the chair position for the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. In his role, he advocates for favorable policies that foster a robust business environment across the state.

For inquiries regarding PCL's manufacturing services, Andrew Ahrendt can be contacted at [email protected] or via phone at (612) 916-9585.

About PCL Construction

PCL Construction stands as a prominent collective of independent construction firms operating throughout North America, the Caribbean, and Australia. As one of the largest contracting organizations in North America, PCL completes over $7 billion of work annually while shaping community landscapes. The commitment to a 100% employee ownership model fosters a culture of accountability towards clients across various sectors, including buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industry, and solar markets. With a strategic presence in over thirty major locations, PCL consistently drives innovation, setting benchmarks for excellence within the construction industry. For more insights into PCL’s endeavors, visit PCL.com.