Robert H. Buckman Chemical R&D Pilot Plant

The new Robert H. Buckman Chemical Research & Development Pilot Plant is the first new construction on the Buckman global headquarters campus in Memphis, TN in many years. The 12,400 SF facility enables the company to increase its capacity in chemical testing that contributes to advancement in manufacturing processes for customers in varying markets. As a multi-disciplinary firm, we were able to support the company with the programming and design of the new facility.  

The pilot plant provides the facilities for exploration and advancement in chemical and digital solutions for the clients supported by Buckman. Through small scale testing at the facility headquarters, the company can make necessary alterations prior to launching new products and processes at its locations around the world, including the U.S. Brazil, South Africa, Europe, and China. This goal could not be achieved without newer, larger facilities, and the project enabled Buckman to grow from the capacity of testing 38 different chemicals to 108.  

With staff and resources dedicated to industrial, electrical, processing, structural, mechanical, and civil engineering programming and design in Memphis, our team was able to provide local, specialized support on this project. Our role extended from equipment planning to underground piping and storm drainage. To accommodate the different chemical combinations that are tested at such a facility, the new building needed to have the capacity to handle complex and dynamic man-made solutions. Our team featured chemical engineers with an intimate understanding of these complexities with the ability to anticipate the unique needs and challenges of each research space. Our multi-disciplined team was able to seamlessly work together with the owner to reach project goals.  

As a trusted advisor to the owner, our team was consulted when Buckman faced budget restraints that required alteration to the design of the facility. We considered different design options and worked with the company to lower the cost of the design to fit within the new budget. The project was also on an accelerated schedule, which was put on hold for four months when the plant faced challenges with its infrastructure. Again, we remained as a direct consultant to support Buckman with the completion of the project once the challenges were resolved. We understood the importance of the deadline and the need to get the plant running and profitable. Our team was onsite weekly, meeting with project leads, the plant manager, the engineering manager, the vice president of engineering, and the project manager to review drawings, work through unexpected challenges, and guide the project back on schedule.  

With a new pilot plant that nearly triples its capacity of chemicals in stock, Buckman can continue to deliver advanced solutions to its clients’ problems. The advancements made in the research and development facility will lead to impactful advancements in manufacturing processes around the world, while contributing to the economic strength of the Memphis community.