RUSSELLVILLE, AR — Stellar, an integrated design-build firm, receives the 2024 Built By The Best Award from the Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA). The award recognizes Stellar's work on a 136,000-square-foot, 140-foot-tall expansion of a frozen food storage facility in Russellville, Arkansas, completed for Americold Logistics.
“Congratulations to Stellar ... who emerged from an extremely competitive field," GCCA President and CEO Sara Stickler said. "CEBA members are the experts in building and delivering facility innovation for the cold chain, and that is why we are so pleased to recognize excellence through the Built By The Best Award program each year.”
The Built By The Best Award is an honor recognizing groundbreaking construction projects within the controlled environment sector. This category includes facilities essential for maintaining defined temperature conditions across various applications, such as fresh and frozen food storage, pharmaceuticals, data centers, and more. Submissions are categorized into two segments: projects below $35 million and those exceeding that amount. The Americold Logistics facility won in the over $35 million category.
The award presentation took place during the CEBA Annual Conference and Expo in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, supported by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), located near Stellar's headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. The awards were decided by a team of judges drawn from the non-submitting member companies within the CEBA Board and Committees.
"Stellar has been a vital partner in the expansion of our Russellville facility, and we are thrilled that the project has been awarded this recognition," said Rob Chambers, President, Americas at Americold. "We appreciate Stellar's expertise and commitment to excellence in delivering this state-of-the-art facility as we strive to help our customers feed the world."
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The multi-million-dollar project features an ammonia refrigeration system, insulated metal panel exterior walls, an automated truck unloading system, an advanced fire protection system, and an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) that integrates with the gantry and loop connections to the loading docks. The expansion also introduced a modern breakroom, offices, and a conference room while prioritizing sustainability with energy-efficient systems and a 25 percent reduction in water use. Stellar's design integrated these features into the active facility without disrupting operations.
"This award highlights Stellar's leadership in Design-Build ASRS facilities and our commitment to delivering innovative, client-focused solutions," said Wyatt Payne, Stellar's Senior Vice President, Food Logistics Division. "Partnering with Americold Logistics, we have developed an advanced design that meets their needs and strengthens their ability to serve their clients. We are honored to receive this award from CEBA."
