WPI Helps Construct a New Corporate Headquarters Les Schwab Employees Can Be Proud Of

Completed in December of 2008, WPI is proud to have played a crucial part in the construction of the new 120,000 square foot Les Schwab corporate headquarters in Bend, Oregon. The two buildings in this project were designed by GBD Architects to have a low environmental impact, an inviting interior layout, and a humble design that makes use of local materials. The facility houses a variety of areas including enclosed and open offices, conference and training rooms, a data center, food services, and a fitness center.

WPI’s scope for this project included all wall and ceiling layout, metal stud framing (interior and exterior), interior insulation, interior drywall and exterior sheathing. Our scope also included interior drywall finishing with a Level 5 Finish, GFRG columns, FRP wall coverings, acoustical ceiling, and the installation of doors, frames, and hardware.

Typical extreme Central Oregon weather and an accelerated schedule (working six days a week and sometime on Sundays) were the primary challenges on this job. It took local employees from the Bend area as well as employees from the Portland area to fully staff the job. WPI employees worked in extreme rain, snow, sunshine, and the ever present Central Oregon wind. Exposed structural beams and metal decking made for many difficult areas to finish.

Teamwork, planning, communication, and some of the best tradesman in the Northwest, were key to the success of this project. Extensive pre-planning and strong communication between the teams from WPI and HSW Builders resulted in a near flawless execution of the project. This allowed us to avoid delays and deliver a quality corporate headquarters that the Les Schwab employees can be proud of for years to come.