CREW CT 2025 Blue Ribbon Brochure

Parker-Hannifin Plating Room Addition

North Haven, CT

Parker-Hannifin Corporation (Parker) is a global manufacturer serving industries such as Aerospace, Healthcare, Industrial Manufacturing, Power Generation, Oil & Gas, and Transportation. Petra Construction Corporation (Petra) was chosen as the Design-Builder for a 10,000-square-foot addition to Parker’s Composite Sealing System Division in North Haven, Connecticut. This expansion houses an advanced, automated metal plating facility requiring significant infrastructure improvements due to its high-hazard classification. Given the chemical hazards associated with metal plating, Petra selected Centek Engineering Inc. (Centek) as the Engineer of Record for their expertise in both process engineering and building design. A collaborative Design-Build approach ensured efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality. The team utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for 3D visualization, quantity takeoff, coordination, and clash detection. One key benefit of BIM was a solar study that revealed excessive daylight on manufacturing lines, leading to the decision to install translucent fenestration panels that provided diffused natural light and better thermal resistance—enhancing both energy efficiency and working conditions. Parker’s stringent manufacturing requirements necessitated specialized materials and methods to prevent damage from the highly acidic and caustic chemicals used in plating. The project incorporated a redundant containment system to mitigate spills, including two-foot-thick concrete slabs with proprietary coatings and below-slab waterproofing to prevent contamination. Additionally, fire wall construction separated the new facility from the existing building to comply with high hazard occupancy standards. A major challenge was the site’s Environmental Land Use Restriction (ELUR), which prohibited excavation below the existing floor slab due to pre-existing soil contamination. This required innovative design solutions to relocate utilities like sanitary piping, potable water, fire protection, drainage, and electrical conduits, which are typically placed underground. The project team’s adaptability and problem-solving skills ensured success despite these constraints. The project was executed in two phases: Enabling and Building Addition. The first phase involved relocating Parker’s existing equipment that conflicted with the expansion footprint while maintaining manufacturing production. Careful planning and logistics ensured minimal disruption. The phased approach also allowed for early procurement of materials with long lead times, preventing delays in the second construction phase. Thanks to precise coordination and strategic planning, the project was completed ahead of schedule, providing Parker with a cutting-edge metal plating facility that enhances manufacturing capabilities while ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory requirements. "Having two wonderful companies in North Haven work together to help build an additional 10,000 square feet for Parker Hannifin benefits the town in multiple ways. First, it demonstrates that an existing business continues to thrive in our community. Second, Parker-Hannifin’s expansion is a perfect example of what I like to see in North Haven—businesses growing and investing in our town. I’m very proud of both Petra Construction Corporation and Parker-Hannifin for this collaboration. This expansion further proves that North Haven is a place where businesses can grow and succeed." – Michael J. Freda, First Selectman of North Haven

Owner — Parker-Hannifin Corporation

Project Size — 10,000 square feet

Project Team — Petra Construction Corporation, Vocon, Robert Day Architects, Centek Engineering Inc.

Rendering Credit — By Elkus Manfredi Architects

19 Blue Ribbon Awards 2025