Stellar will leverage its in-house capabilities for design, refrigeration, thermal and utilities work. Approximately 70,000 square feet of high-quality acid brick will be used for the flooring and main processing area.

“While it’s more costly and time-consuming to install, using this premium brick speaks to the Bell & Evans commitment to quality and vision for this to be a durable facility that stands the test of time,” said Keen.

The new facility will include sustainable features such as a natural ammonia refrigeration system, designed and installed by Stellar. The building will also repurpose thermal energy from the company’s nearby rendering facility to provide more eco-friendly water heating.

Stellar is coordinating with European equipment manufacturer Marel, which is supplying state-of-the-art equipment as well as process engineering for the project. The strong partnership between Marel and Bell & Evans adds maximum value to the quality of poultry processing considering the two companies share a vision for prioritizing sustainability, animal welfare and food safety. Stellar will also collaborate with CHL for the equipment installation to bring this large-scale project to life.

This is the third design-build project Stellar has performed for Bell & Evans. The firm built an award-winning packaging, storage and processing facility as well as the country’s first certified organic, animal-welfare-focused chicken hatchery at the company’s campus in Fredericksburg.

For more information, visit stellar.net.