Mercury Stainless Corporation, Wheeling, Illinois

Stainless Steel Processor solves space problem
with PortaFab Modular Building System

Multiple installations for in-plant lunchroom, accounting department, production and administrative offices

PortaFab Series III with Fire & Sound Option

The Situation
Mercury Stainless Corporation, a rapidly growing stainless steel processor for the restaurant and dairy industries, had outgrown its space for its accounting and production departments.

Because of future growth plans Mercury needed both a cost-effective short-term solution and a flexible building system that could be adapted to anticipated expansion needs in the future.

The Evaluation
Betty Robertson of Mercury Stainless, called the local PortaFab distributor for ideas on solving the need for additional space in several departments.

They determined that two buildings would be needed to increase employee productivity: a lunchroom and an administrative office for accounting and production departments. In addition to being economical and flexible, the structure had to be non-combustible to provide a safe, quiet and comfortable environment.

The PortaFab modular construction system was recommended as the most cost-effective solution. Conventional drywall construction was eliminated because of higher initial cost and the difficulties and expense that would be involved in future remodeling they knew would be required.

The Solution
To meet both present and future needs, PortaFab provided the Series III premium 3" wall system, with Fire & Sound option for the project. Non-progressive construction in the system allowed unlimited flexibility for future modification, along with superior load-bearing capability of the roof.

Stainless steel processing is a noisy business, but the Fire and Sound, with its three-inch thick walls, eliminated the problem of noise pollution.

As it turned out, Mercury Stainless needed the flexibility of the PortaFab system. To solve immediate needs, two units were installed: a 20'x30' lunchroom and a 20'x40' office with load-bearing roof to house the production and accounting staff.

Within a year a second story was added on top of the original 20'x40' unit and the accounting department was moved upstairs. Less than six months later, they were ready to expand again and a 16' addition was erected on the front of both buildings.

"The PortaFab systems were ideal for these rapidly changing space needs. The non-progressive construction of the units installed allow individual panels, including doors and windows, to be moved or changed without disturbing the rest of the building. This feature, plus the modular design of the system, gives Mercury the flexibility they need to expand quickly and economically."

Ms. Robertson concluded, "The buildings are easy to heat and cool. Maintenance is practically non-existent. We have two durable, highly utilized units here. PortaFab has grown right along with us.

The Solution To All Your In-Plant Building Needs
PortaFab In-Plant Building Systems offers unlimited applications.and savings of up to 35% compared to conventional construction. With a variety of standard and custom-designed one-story, two-story and mezzanine units, we've got the building options to fit you needs, and you budget.

Plus, we give you complete flexibility, with modular buildings that can easily be moved or expanded to meet you changing needs. Construction is fast and easy, and maintenance is low.