Tracy, California, is home to one of the largest e-commerce distribution centers in the country at 3.4 million square feet and 1,500 employees. 223,830 square feet of insulated metal panels, about twice the area of a Manhattan city block, were used to construct the outer walls of the facility. The building uses Kingspan's Designwall 2000, Designwall R Series and KS Series insulated metal panels.

The panel installers, Vigil Industrial Protection, were able to quickly close the building envelope due to the single-component IMP system.

KS Series and BENCHMARK Designwall panels have R-values of 14 to 28, providing high thermal efficiency for the enormous facility. The distribution center can remain at an optimal temperature without extra stress on the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, especially during brutally hot summers. KS Series joints integrate with multiple profiles for an airtight building envelope.

Insulated metal panels also provided the aesthetic needed to make the facility stand out from the many other industrial buildings on the same road. BENCHMARK Designwall panels provide architectural flair for large-scale projects, such as distribution centers. The R series provided variable rib configurations, adding a distinct accent to the building’s outer shell. HPA Inc., the architects, were able to tap Kingspan for custom colors that ensure the company’s branding was front-and-center.

Insulated metal panels provided quick speed-of-build and a distinct profile, giving the e-commerce giant an all-in-one solution to achieve the right look and the ability to meet customer demand quickly.