ARCO/Murray, a renowned design-build general contractor established in 1992, has made substantial strides in the realm of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). With a growing commitment to this dynamic sector, ARCO/Murray has become a prominent player in the design and construction of greenhouse and vertical farming facilities in North America. Patrick Hidder, Principal at ARCO/Murray, discusses the company’s journey and its dedication to providing comprehensive support, from project inception to completion.
ARCO/Murray’s expansion into the CEA sector commenced eight years ago, driven by an appreciation for the industry’s intricacies, challenges, and remarkable growth potential. Since then, the company has assembled a dedicated CEA team consisting of 26 highly specialized project managers. This team has been instrumental in steering greenhouse and vertical farming projects within the food and cannabis sectors, renewable natural gases, and water treatment.
From the outset, ARCO/Murray extends unwavering support to its clients. This support encompasses all phases of construction, commencing with site selection and due diligence. The company’s expertise aids clients in navigating various complexities, including entitlements, permitting, geotechnical evaluations, topographic considerations, easements, and zoning regulations. This meticulous approach ensures the selection of an optimal site for the project’s success.
During the design phase, ARCO/Murray prepares detailed drawings and collaborates with local municipalities to secure approvals, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. Leveraging a global procurement network, the company works closely with various vendors to integrate essential facility equipment. Throughout this process, ARCO/Murray provides clients with comprehensive information to facilitate informed decision-making.
While ARCO/Murray does not directly offer horticulture consulting for cultivation, they place great emphasis on evaluating multiple options, enabling clients to make well-informed decisions aligned with their facility’s unique needs. Patrick Hidder notes their commitment to empowering growers, ensuring the long-term success of their operations and the industry through efficient facility design and construction.
Partnerships are a cornerstone of ARCO/Murray’s approach. Patrick underscores their value, stating, “We collaborate with companies and individuals who are experts in their domains and share our passion and commitment to excellence.” This commitment to nurturing enduring relationships extends to CEA vendors and collaborators who align with ARCO/Murray’s vision.
With over three decades of experience, ARCO/Murray meticulously manages the construction phase, ensuring seamless integration of facility components and control systems. Specialized CEA project managers take charge, overseeing subcontractors and various trades while maintaining transparent communication as a single point of contact for clients.
ARCO/Murray’s core mission revolves around delivering fully operational facilities that exceed client expectations. Their precision in construction transforms architectural and engineering plans into tangible structures. As projects near completion, ARCO/Murray prepares to hand over the keys to clients, marking the transition from construction to facility utilization.
ARCO/Murray’s journey through the design and construction phases epitomizes their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results. With a robust background in design-build CEA projects and a specialized team of CEA project managers, they adeptly navigate challenges, provide comprehensive support, and transform client visions into reality. Their precision in construction, transparent communication, and dedication to realizing client objectives ensure that each project reaches its full potential, delivering quality and practical solutions.