This innovative manufacturing facility sits inside the greater Savannah, Georgia, area, known for its unique history, architecture, and numerous outdoor opportunities. A massive operation bringing thousands of career opportunities to the region, this large footprint fits nicely alongside the community by providing a work-life balance even while employees are clocked in. The property’s relaxing green spaces and walking trails are designed as benefits to the entire workforce’s physical and mental well-being. The mindful landscape designs are as forward-thinking as the manufacturing technology and sustainability goals found inside the facilities.
Challenges
The vast property size is a key challenge when it comes to landscaping installation and maintenance. The main factory alone takes up over 1.2 million square feet. Designing attractive, functional landscaping for properties of this magnitude requires an elite design team. Plant and tree selection for Southeast Georgia’s clay-filled soil adds to the list of concerns.
Another issue with an enormous property is the tangle of roadways, with guest and employee traffic constantly in and out. This makes access to certain areas difficult, depending on the time of day. High traffic volume also means heightened safety concerns, especially with new job applicants arriving by the hundreds.
Last but not least was the time crunch. The facility's announcement that it was coming to the Savannah area (Richmond Hill) in 2023, and production was to begin in the fall of 2024, provided a tight window for producing extensive landscape design plans, not to mention the actual installations. To compound the time pressures, our initial supply and plant materials source was over an hour and a half away from the property.
Results
Decades of large property experience have enabled Yellowstone Landscape to meet the above challenges and exceed the client’s expectations.
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- Communication with construction project managers and other trades allowed us to start each landscape stage the minute we had the go-ahead.
- Plant and tree selection was based on soil analysis—section-by-section.
- Native plants were chosen to align with microclimates on-site and the client’s sustainability initiatives.
- Maps of the giant property were provided to all Yellowstone team members to avoid confusion, safety hazards, and delays.
- Installation crews passed their notes about safety concerns to managers and managers later passed them to our maintenance crews.
- Daily safety talks remind Yellowstone employees to watch for drivers who could easily take a wrong turn or be in a hurry for a job interview.
- We designated a full-time project manager for sourcing supplies, plant materials, and additional labor.
- New business relationships were formed in the Savannah area to alleviate these sourcing hurdles.
- Great communication with contractors handling the lake’s water features ensured those elements complemented nearby landscaping.
- The client’s branding was made the focal point at one of the most eye-catching sections of the property.
- Yellowstone arborists used staking to protect young trees in this area that’s often hit by tropical winds.
- Every step of the walking trail was built to enhance outdoor experiences while providing stable footing using crushed rock.
- New applicants and guests get an extra warm welcome with a tropical vibe at the main office.
A Healthy Design
“The property features expansive walking trails and green spaces, encouraging employees to engage in physical activity during breaks.”
“The facility prioritizes employee well-being through thoughtfully designed workspaces and amenities.”
“Covered porches and open fields will host company gatherings.”
Aesthetics at Scale
It would be easy for beauty and natural wonder to take a backseat to cold, hard functionality on construction projects of this size. In this case, though, the client made blending beauty, nature, and functionality a primary goal. From elegant pavers guiding guests and management inside the building to designated outdoor areas for co-workers to connect during downtime, the property offers warm welcomes.
The tight timeline could’ve also caused some property owners to cut corners on amenities just to get the facility open on time. That was never an option for a few reasons. For one, this impressive company believes in investing in the future, and its employees are at the heart of that future.
That level of foresight is both uncommon and commendable because this positive work environment won’t end when the current employees retire someday. Similar to Motor City’s golden age, this sustainable auto industry manufacturer will employ three or four generations of families looking to better their lives here in Savannah.
Another reason this property fulfilled its original promise? The client put full confidence in Yellowstone Landscape to produce and execute the design plans safely, on time, and with excellence. We’re thrilled with the results and proud to play a role in the uplifting, sustainable impact this manufacturing facility will have for many decades.
If you’re planning a new landscaping project, contact Yellowstone Landscape for a consultation.
