Miller Valentine Construction has completed a sophisticated laboratory buildout for INEOS Enterprises, a Global market leader in intermediate chemicals and specialty composites, solvents and pigments. The 63,000-square-foot project in Dublin, Ohio, brings together the company’s Composites R&D division currently located in Columbus Ohio, and Pigments R&D division located in Baltimore Maryland into a custom-designed, technically advanced research and development facility.
Engineering Solutions Within Structural Constraints
Designing and installing complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems within the constraints of a spec warehouse structure that wasn’t engineered for such installations was an opportunity for the construction team. The solution resulted in creating an entirely new structural system within the existing building.
“We constructed an entirely new substructure of joists, beams, and columns to support all the systems required for this building,” explained Assistant Project Manager Ken Pendergest. “Above the ceiling, the space was extremely tight due to the extensive ductwork and piping — including domestic water, compressed air, and various types of medical gases.”
Project Manager Andy McHugh emphasized the engineering complexity. “The support structure for the MEPs was completely independent of the existing building.” Avoiding tie-ins to the existing structure required extensive coordination and design efforts to accommodate what McHugh described as a “maze” of above-ceiling mechanical systems needed to support the laboratory operations.
Meeting Critical Deadlines Through Expertise and Collaboration
“Miller Valentine began the project in March 2024 with a timeline shaped by INEOS’s need to fully vacate both their facilities by January 2025,” McHugh explained. “That deadline created a crucial milestone for us — we had to have enough space ready in time for them to start relocating equipment directly from their existing sites.”
To accomplish this, the project team created a well-orchestrated phasing plan that would allow the city to inspect, and issue temporary certificates of occupancy by phase. This allowed for equipment installation in one area while construction continued in others. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2025.
“Miller Valentine brought significant value to the project through strong coordination and trusted trade partner relationships,” Andy noted. “By collaborating with Applied Mechanical Systems, Denier Electric, and the design team, we were able to evaluate the initial design intent and develop efficient, cost-effective solutions that met project requirements — ultimately reducing both the overall budget and schedule.”
This project builds on Miller Valentine’s capabilities in the R&D sector, particularly with complex laboratory environments. “I’ve done lab spaces and clean rooms in the past, and projects of this scale, with this level of MEP complexity, are opportunities to showcase our capabilities and expand our expertise,” Andy said, highlighting the project’s significance to the company’s portfolio.
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