ABF manufactures press forgings for the automotive industry, producing parts such as gears, bearings, and joints, as well as transmission parts. The new facility contains the hot forging operation, finishing area, shot blast room, die storage, maintenance, mechanical/electrical room, open office, private offices, conference rooms, break room, locker rooms, and restrooms. Parsons provided design/build services, preparing all construction documents, and installation of the electrical systems.
Two 4000 amp 277/480 volt electrical services serve the facility. The power distribution system consists of lighting panels, mechanical equipment panels, receptacle panels, motor control center, and process equipment panels. Feeders to the induction heaters, large presses, trim presses, shot blast equipment, and bar cutting equipment were also included. Parsons coordinated the power distribution system design with ABF, the local utility company, and the induction heater supplier. As part of this effort, passive harmonic filters were designed and installed to eliminate harmful harmonic currents produced by the induction heaters and correct the facilities’ power factor.
Lighting systems included 1000 watt metal halide high bay fixtures in the forging and finishing areas; high bay fluorescent fixtures in process support areas; fluorescent lighting in the office areas; HID wallpack fixtures for building perimeter security lighting; pole mounted HID fixtures for the parking lot; and exit/egress lighting designed to meet building code requirements.
An addressable fire alarm system and access control system was installed, and a link to a central monitoring station was provided.
