EARLY BRANCH, SC — Southeast-based construction firm, Frampton Construction Company, has completed construction of Le Creuset of America's (Le Creuset) new North American distribution facility in Hampton County, South Carolina. The project was delivered on schedule despite challenging site conditions and complex operational requirements.
“We are proud of our new distribution center and grateful to Frampton Construction for their unwavering dedication to bringing this project to life,” said Michael Anderson, Senior Vice President of IT and Operations at Le Creuset of America. “The team at Frampton Construction was instrumental in translating our vision into a space that balances operational excellence with the Le Creuset brand ethos. Designed with our people and future in mind, the facility supports how we work today while enabling our next phase of growth.”
The 300,000-square-foot build-to-suit facility consolidates Le Creuset’s U.S. distribution and administrative operations into a single campus that is designed for efficiency and long-term flexibility. The two-story office houses executive offices, call centers, and administrative departments, while the distribution area is designed to function as a cross-dock operation with capacity for future expansion.
The concrete tilt-up facility sits on a 62-acre site in Early Branch, South Carolina. The site presented significant challenges, including protected wetlands and poor soil conditions typical of the region. Frampton mitigated the risks by implementing cement soil stabilization. Due to the rural location and distance from nearby concrete suppliers, the team constructed an onsite concrete batching plant to maintain quality control and protect the project schedule.
“This project required an exceptional level of coordination and schedule discipline,” said Keith Horton, Project Director at Frampton. “From difficult soil conditions to early product move-in and highly customized interior spaces, the team delivered a facility that supports Le Creuset’s operations today and positions the company for long-term growth."
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The project also required extensive sequencing and logistics coordination. Frampton managed early product move-in ahead of the 2025 holiday season, phased installation of new racking systems, and the relocation of an existing generator from Le Creuset’s former facility.
Designed by McMillan Pazdan Smith, the facility integrates Le Creuset’s brand identity into an industrial environment through custom finishes, open ceilings, and polished concrete floors. The two-story office component includes employee-focused amenities such as a large cafeteria with an outdoor patio and grill, walking trails, and locker rooms, along with access-controlled circulation to support day-to-day operations.
“Le Creuset wanted a workplace that reflected the brand while supporting the realities of a large-scale distribution center,” said Scott Hinson, Commercial Practice and Charlotte Studio Leader at McMillan Pazdan Smith. “From using the signature Flame orange Dutch ovens as bathroom sinks to herringbone tile patterns that nod to the company’s French heritage, and a bold red elevator, we sought to bring identity to the space without sacrificing function.”
Additional project partners included civil engineer Thomas & Hutton, structural engineer WGPM, mechanical and plumbing contractor Paulson Cheek Mechanical, and electrical contractor Allegiance Industries.
