Construction meetings #13 and #14

We continue to have some dramatic changes at the new CenterPoint building. As of yesterday, the steel for the offices is about 95% completed including welding the trusses and putting down the metal corrugate flooring to hold the concrete which should be poured within the next two weeks. This first picture shows the final area that the steel is being erected which is the west side of the showroom. The following pictures will give you a better view of the trusses, "K" bracing and a side view of the office area facing North from the warehouse (where the new warehouse mezz will be constructed starting mid-August).

The main duct work is already completed on floor two and they are beginning to install ducting on the first floor under the decking. Next, Mericle will be dropping in the sprinkler system and main electrical pulls. From the warehouse end, we should begin to see delivery and contruction of the pick mods in about four weeks. The schedule is tight and needs close coordination for both Benco contractors and Mericle contractors. We are also awaiting the delivery of a new generator along with the transfer switches coming in shortly. Back at the Bear Creek facility, Keith is already testing the new Shoretel phone system.


Our biggest focus right now is tying up some loose ends with the finishes and making some changes to include an expanded area for x-ray displays so we can really showcase our expertise in both this area and digital technology. Along with the regular showroom areas, this will truly be a "one-stop-shop" for our customers to view our full line of equipment (the BIGGEST line in the industry!). Chuck, Rick and Larry are really starting to get excited about this - seeing their dream go from a drawing to reality - and we are all just as excited as they are!!! Keep tuned for continuing updates - this is neat stuff!

Construction Coordination Meeting #12

As mentioned, a lot of activity at the job site this week with the office mezz steel delivery as you can see by the included pictures. Here's one where Mike Mangan and Bob Hunt are standing by a rather large beam that will be used to clear span the Summit training room - it gives you a good perspective of how large some of these beams are. (Mike was smiling because he just told Bob to try and move the beam)

Steel began to arrive Monday of this week and by Wednesday 6.17.09, we saw it all staged. About 10% of the steel was already erected and crews were busy bolting them together. The area below is in the Purchasing/Marketing area. (No Paul, you can't move in yet!) There are steel beams everywhere you look. Keith Budurka commented that "it is amazing they know which ones go where" because when you look closely, beams have several unique designs depending on where they are going. But each beam has a number and bar code on it and it is as simple as matching them up to the print and dropping them where they are shown. You can see one of these labels at the end of the front beam.

The coordination team also discussed some open items we have in the showroom and with the warehouse mezz system (a whole separate 3-story system) and cafeteria kitchen. Mark Hasaka is working on some changes to the showroom including the area where we will show off our line of digital x-rays and the audio/visual for the training area and boardroom. Keith and Mike continue to review the final electrical drawings and office lighting zones right down to the location of the switches. Sue Evans has been working with a company called ILS to get the cut sheets for our reception area desk and kitchenette located near the training room and along with Deb Hammaker, checking out some regs for the x-ray area. Scott Smith has been reviewing the data requirements for the showroom area and just finished up on his prints. We are really getting into the finer details now.

Mike also met with the Warehouse and TIS team this week as we continue to test and refine the logic behind our "pick-to-tote" system and coordinating how totes will be routed through about 2 miles of conveyor. Again, there is a lot going on simultaneously including Don Stephens wrapping up the capital approval.

Here are some additional progress pictures:

Truckin' Along

Everyone is hard at work at the new CenterPoint Location as the shell continues to be stripped for windows surrounding the office area. If you look closely at this week's pictures, you'll also notice that the elevator shaft has been put into place. Also, COMING SOON, we'll be seeing periodic updates from Lou Mangino, VP of Operations, for an inside look at the progress of CenterPoint. Enjoy.....

This is the northwest corner of the building. Much of the sheet metal needed to be removed to make way for the masonry and several new windows. This area will house the showroom on the first floor and Design, Customer Service and Service Dispatch on the second floor.

The future front lobby entrance. This area will receive a canopy and improvements to match the existing front corner. If you look closely you can see the elevator shaft and some of the duct work inside.

Here's the northeast corner and again masonry and windows are being added. The first floor front office area will house the Marketing and Purchasing groups. The remainder of the floor level will feature a 60' x 74' lunchroom, directly outside a 72' x 24' outside eating area, and directly across the parking lot the smoking area. Additional parking will be added the entire length of the building. The second level will be home for the TIS groups.


The west side where eight dock doors are being removed, masonry and windows are being added for the conversion into office space.

*Thanks to Sharon Fiorini for the pictures and Mike Mangan for letting us know what we're looking at!

Firing On All Cylinders!

Things are moving along and everything is on schedule! As of last week, the building exterior of our future home has been stripped where windows will be installed. Indoors, the office space and warehouse areas are starting to take shape. Take a look for yourself. Click the photos to see a full size image.

New 272,000 Sq. Ft. Corporate Headquarters

Benco announces plans for 272,000 square foot corporate headquarters located in CenterPoint Commerce and Trade Park, Pittston, Pennsylvania. It will showcase the largest dental equipment showroom in North America, with 24 operatories of dental equipment from all major vendors in all standard configurations.

The new state-of-the-art facility will accommodate 400 associates, improve warehouse operations efficiency, call center functionality and promote energy efficiency while working toward 'green' certification.

"Our new facility will enable Benco to remain a leader in the dental industry for decades to come," Benco's Executive Vice President Rick Cohen said. "We are thrilled our associates and customers will be part of this monumental move with our family as we begin a new chapter in Benco's history."