BTU International

Optimizing Efficiency in Every Square Foot of advanced manufacturing

BTU International, a global leader in advanced thermal processing equipment, relocated to 10 Lyberty Way in Westford, MA, to streamline operations with a reduced footprint and more efficient layout. Timberline was selected to renovate the 55,000 SF facility, which included converting existing office space into high-performance manufacturing areas. The team worked closely with BTU to strategically lay out production zones and equipment placement, ensuring the space would support changing production needs. While the office area received minor upgrades, the bulk of the design effort focused on transforming the warehouse into a sophisticated manufacturing environment.

Converting the office space into manufacturing space posed challenges. The existing infrastructure required substantial upgrades to power, mechanical systems and fire protection. These enhancements were essential to support BTU’s specialized equipment, which included high-demand thermal processing units and other mission-critical systems. Timberline also installed process piping systems to deliver nitrogen from a new exterior tank, compressed air from a relocated compressor and chilled water from an existing chiller directly to production equipment. Value engineering strategies were implemented to reduce piping drops and associated mechanical demands, helping to manage budget and schedule constraints.

Construction was executed in a single phase with office and manufacturing areas built out simultaneously, along with the installation of two new loading docks. Through close coordination and adaptability from the project team, BTU successfully transitioned into a facility tailored to meet the demands of their advanced manufacturing operations, positioning the company for continued growth.