Project of the Month: Dacon builds 135,000 s/f Edwards Vacuum facility - Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill receives digital arts studio

Haverhill, MA Dacon Corporation has completed the 135,000 s/f New England facility for Edwards Vacuum, a designer and manufacturer of advanced technology parts used in the semiconductor, power, renewable energy, scientific R&D markets, analytical instrument manufacturers, chemical and food processing industries. Edwards’ portfolio spans parts for vacuum and abatement; this location is dedicated to cryopump manufacturing for semiconductor and technical industries.

The design of this two-story LEED facility at 20 Creek Brook Dr. centers on four functional domains–manufacturing, innovation labs, offices and warehousing.

“The objective was to create a state-of-the-art, innovation and solutions center that improved the overall efficiency of assembly, research & development, new product introductions and related operations activities,” said John O’Sullivan, vice president of operations for Edwards Vacuum.

Located on a 10-acre site at Creek Brook Dr., the design is focused on creating physical connections—internally amongst departments and externally with the environment. As a welcoming focal point, the two-story lobby is transversed by a second-floor bridge that joins the atrium with executive offices. Overlooking the production floor, an observation area lends transparency between visitors and Edwards’ business process. Office areas likewise have manufacturing vistas via second-story singular windows. The resulting effect is overall organizational continuity between managerial, research and production functions.

As an asset in facility longevity, the ability to create flexible solutions was foremost in the office and production area layouts. Furniture configuration and floor cores were positioned for expansion with the entire second floor easily fitted for cubicles without invasive drilling for electrical wiring. To modify the production floor, utility fences were customized by trade function with power provided overhead. Amenity areas, a fitness room, multi-function cubes and access to walking trails with viewing stations create areas for innovation, camaraderie, and a chance to recharge. Forsaking on-trend colors for timeless appeal, brand guidelines denoted color and material selection with bright accents that complement Edwards’ palette. In consideration of renewable energies, some of the location’s LEED initiatives include provisions for a future solar setup, reduced water usage, high efficiency cooling systems, EV parking/charging stations and dark sky compliant lighting. This is the fifth Dacon ground-up design build commercial facility in Creek Brook Park Dr. and won first place for vertical construction in the 2023 Design-Build Institute of America Awards.

To mark the event, a $10,000 digital arts program was donated by Edwards and Dacon’s philanthropy (Designed with Dignity) to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill (BGC). The new Edwards Digital Arts Studio is centered on engaging teens while developing technical skills and encouraging career aspirations. The program’s goal is to foster camaraderie and character building. It inspires talent, stimulating creative and analytical capabilities, while introducing Edwards Vacuum to the community. The club currently has 180 teen members. Using BGC’s current facility, the program will be led by a graphic design educator, with teens supplied with MacBooks, drawing implements and bean bag furniture to create a casual learning space of warmth and inclusion.

“We are grateful to Dacon and Edwards for playing a pivotal role in our efforts to provide quality programs that focus on future career interest opportunities. This program will complement our current STEAM program offering and bolster our teen recruitment efforts,” said Javier Bristol, executive director, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill.

Enrollment is on a rotational basis in tandem with curriculum goals and capacity.

Congresswoman Lori Trahan said, “I am thrilled to welcome Edwards Vacuum to the Third District. I’m confident that their commitment to community and environmental stewardship will make them an excellent addition to our district. Edwards is not only expanding our technical and manufacturing sector, but they have proved themselves to be excellent community partners with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill where they already helped strengthen the STEM literacy and digital skills of our students.”

The project team included:

• Dacon Corporation - design build
• Controlled Environment Systems - insulated metal panels
• RCH Roofing Corp. - roofing
• Metro Walls - interior framing and drywall
• SL Chasse Steel - miscellaneous metals