Hendrick Construction Completes Oak Ridge National Laboratory Expansion

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Hendrick Construction, Inc. finished a 14,000-square-foot expansion project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, upgrading lab space at one of the world's premier research facilities.

The Tennessee project created 13 new labs to support scientific research conducted at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the world's most powerful pulsed source of neutrons for the study of materials. Scientific understanding of the molecular structure of materials is critical to the development of stronger, lighter, and cheaper compounds for a variety of commercial, industrial and other applications.

"This was a tough project that was built to exacting specifications in order to provide a flexible research environment," said Roger Hendrick, president of Hendrick Construction. "We're excited to contribute to the growth of this important facility."

The project required the installation of various instruments and controls, as well as complex chemical storage, electrical and ventilation systems. The labs will serve various needs, including X-ray, wet chemistry, magnetic materials characterization, protein crystallography and neutron optics. The flexible space was constructed to adapt to new research needs without additional capital investment.

The renovation project is surrounded by other operational space on the second floor of the Spallation Neutron Source Central Lab and Office Building. The project required careful planning and coordination to avoid disruption of ongoing operations and to ensure the work was conducted safely.

"The availability of these new labs will certainly enhance the ability of our neutron scattering user community to perform research at the SNS," said Oak Ridge National Laboratory Neutron Sciences Director Ian Anderson.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the Department of Energy's largest science and energy laboratory. The facility is managed for DOE by a partnership of the University of Tennessee and Battelle. Scientists and engineers conduct basic and applied research and development to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation's leadership in key areas of science; increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.

Hendrick Construction, Inc. is a Charlotte, N.C.-based general contractor that provides commercial construction services throughout the Southeast. The company's portfolio includes facilities for corporate headquarters, manufacturing, industrial, health care and bio-tech companies, as well as schools, government buildings, entertainment venues and restaurants. Visit www.hendrickconstruction.com.

SOURCE Hendrick Construction, Inc.