Omni Design’s relationship with the Okonite Company in Santa Maria began with an emergency roof repair during a storm. That initial engagement grew into a long-term partnership, with Omni providing architectural services for multiple facility improvement projects at the plant, including two major expansions totaling over 60,000 square feet. Omni served as the Architect and Engineer of Record on this $12.4 million design-build project, executing the work on an accelerated schedule while the plant remained fully operational.

Key Features

• Cabler Machine Expansion: The first expansion added 22,600 square feet to accommodate a new “Cabler” machine used in the production of power-conducting cables for industrial and utility sectors, with Omni providing entitlement services and coordinating closely with structural engineers and design-build contractors.

• CV Facility Expansion: Before completion of the first phase, a second expansion of 37,800 square feet was commissioned for a new continuous vulcanizing (CV) facility, dovetailing with the first expansion to bring the total structure to 545,428 SF of Type IIIB construction.

• Fast-Track Delivery: Both expansions were executed on a fast-track basis, with the design accommodating the client’s requirement that the facility remain fully operational during construction often with three shifts, six days a week.

Outcome

Both expansions were completed successfully, meeting critical equipment delivery schedules without interrupting plant operations. The Okonite project exemplifies Omni Design’s ability to manage complex, fast-track industrial projects with overlapping phases, and it established the foundation for an ongoing client relationship built on trust and demonstrated performance.