Kainai Forage Hay Storage

New Construction

We’re very proud to highlight a significant agricultural construction management project that was phased and spanned across 4 years, recently finishing up in September of 2023!

As general contractors in Lethbridge, one of our major focus areas is expanding our footprint, knowledge and experience on major agricultural projects – and building long standing relationships with producers, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Project Details, Challenges and Solutions

Project Details

Subtrade Scope

Project Challenges

Challenges with Exterior Siding

Project Details

Project Type: New Build

Sector: Agriculture – Hay Storage

Location: Blood Reserve near Stand Off, Alberta

Timeline: Fall 2019 – Fall 2023

Project Size: Construction of four pre-engineered rigid frame buildings, one 200’ x 300’ in size and three 325’ x 390’ in size (total of 440,250 sq.ft.)

This project involved the construction of four pre-engineered rigid frame buildings, completed in multiple phases over a four-year period.

The first three structures, one measuring 200′ x 300′ and two at 325′ x 390′, were delivered under a single contract and completed in early 2021. Each building was constructed with an asphalt floor, providing a clean and durable base for hay storage.

In the fall of 2022, SWMW was awarded the contract for the fourth building, measuring 325′ x 390′. Construction began in the spring of 2023. While similar in design to the previous structures, this building features a roller-compacted concrete floor, offering increased durability and long-term performance.

Subtrade Scope

While SWMW was responsible for supplying and erecting the steel building with our own forces, we also managed and coordinated a number of subtrades on site. Some civil and site work included in this construction management project consisted of stripping and clearing the site, stockpiling the existing topsoil, common excavation and ditch work, supplying and installing the gravel base course, and installing over 100 concrete piles up to 25′ deep.

It’s important to us to maintain strong relationships and superior communication with our valued subtrade partners – working closely with them ensures that these large, detailed projects go smoothly without a hitch.

Project Challenges

Constructing such a large structure in the open plains of southern Alberta means that the strong winds in this area posed a significant challenge, but our previous experience working in these types of conditions aided us in overcoming this challenge.

We put precautions in place, such as ensuring extra crew members were on the job site to help keep things running smoothly and designing custom bracing to ensure the buildings were secure during even the most severe wind conditions.

Challenges with Exterior Siding

For clients who need oversight and coordination across multiple stakeholders, our construction management services provide structure and control. We manage schedules, budgets, trades, and communication to keep your project organized and moving forward.

Key Takeaways

These large hay storage facility structures specifically showcase the SWMW team’s ability to successfully complete large-scale, multi-phased projects, specifically in the agricultural construction sector.

We take great pride in our customer satisfaction, and we were pleased that our successful completion of the first shed project in 2021 resulted in the customer returning to us for multiple projects afterwards.

Connect With Southwest And Midwest Design & Construction

We are very proud of our team’s collaborative efforts, repeatedly demonstrating our commitment to total client satisfaction by completing projects on time and on budget!

Looking for a partner who truly understands the unique demands of agribusiness? Our team at SWMW has extensive experience in agricultural construction and design. Let us help you create facilities that meet your specific needs. Reach out today to learn how our expertise can contribute to the success of your agricultural operations.

Contact one of our team members at SWMW with our convenient online quote request tool. A member of our team will be in touch to discuss project details and next steps.