froze the ground deep down . Concrete – and construction workers – had to be protected from the elements . Work areas had to be enclosed , and heaters were brought in so the concrete would set . Delaying construction wasn ’ t an option : the rail spur had to be operational during peak shipping season . Thanks to intense coordination and constant communication , the construction and railroad schedules were met .
The expansion included many other site design elements :
• The City of Augusta amended a tax incremental financing agreement to establish an off-site regional stormwater system , a key to the on-site expansion .
• A city street was vacated to allow the rail spur to be moved .
• Two properties were purchased and demolished to make room for the regional stormwater system .
• A small wetland in the middle of the new warehouse site was mitigated .
• New wells to provide water to the production facility were sited , and new well houses were designed and constructed .
• Powerlines were relocated .
• The infrastructure for Bush Brothers ’ new wastewater treatment plant , located just outside Augusta , was accommodated .
All project decisions were guided by the need to keep Bush Brothers operating continually . The company has three shifts five days a week ; construction could only occur up to a certain tie-in point during the week , with final connections made during weekends , holidays , and shutdowns to avoid interruptions to electricity , gas , and water .
“ The scoping meetings really helped to answer questions ,” Adams said . “ There was a lot of handing off of design elements to other designers ( mechanical , electrical , utilities , rail design ). This project showed the teamwork of many people working together ."
Adams said a lot of “ on the fly ” adaptation was needed , but no construction work had to be undone as the project was phased in – a testament to the careful , up front planning .
“ Bush is always looking at what needs to be done and constantly re-evaluating where we ’ re at ,” Tolan said . “ That created some moments where we ’ re all in the conference room saying , ‘ Oh my , here we go again .’ Changes evolved as we went , and Ayres has been very receptive to that and very comfortable working in that environment .
“ Bush is all about long-term thinking . We really think it through and measure three or four times – but once we cut , we move .”
Bean
Counting
1908 Bush Brothers & Company established in Chestnut Hill , Tennessee
1934
Bush ’ s Best adds pork and beans to product mix
1952
Canned dry beans become part of product lineup
1962
Augusta production facility added
1969
The “ secret family recipe ” for Bush ’ s Baked Beans is developed in Augusta
2006 New office addition designed by Ayres Associates opens in Augusta
2012 Bush Brothers features 43 varieties of beans in its product line
10│TRENDS