Groundbreaking on HQ for Climate by Design International in Owatonna, Minnesota

The Opus Group (Opus) today announced the start of construction on a new corporate headquarters and production facility in Owatonna, Minn., for Climate by Design International (CDI), a designer and manufacturer of custom desiccant dehumidifiers and critical process air handlers. On Aug 15, Opus and Climate by Design held a groundbreaking celebration at the 14-acre site located at 200 Festal Place NW.

The 212,700-square-foot building for CDI will combine all its operations and employees into a single facility, streamlining production and distribution while strengthening its corporate culture and supporting the company's growth into new markets, including providing low dewpoint desiccant units that allow for the manufacturing of lithium batteries used in electric vehicles.

“Opus is honored to partner with CDI on this headquarters project, which is a testament to the company's rich 30-year history in the Owatonna community," said Jason Conway, senior director of real estate development for Opus. “This state-of-the-art building will give CDI a competitive advantage both in terms of attracting and retaining employees, as well as supporting plans for increased production and growth."

With easy access to Interstate 35, CDI's new headquarters will include office, manufacturing and distribution space and a wide range of amenities to appeal to the company's growing workforce. Employees will have access to a fitness room with lockers and showers, a prayer room, a bike room, and a large catering kitchen in a two-story cafeteria featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. Adjacent to the cafeteria will be an outdoor patio and a walking path around property. The entire facility, including the production area, will be air conditioned, both for employee comfort and to support CDI's production processes.

Opus is the right partner for us because their one-team design-build approach assures the project will go smoothly and be completed on time and within our budget," said Tom Peterson, CEO & Founder of CDI. “Based on Opus' strong track record with similar build-to-suit corporate and manufacturing facilities, we are confident they understand our needs and can deliver on our objectives of creating a headquarters that supports our growth while providing a positive environment for our employees."

The two-story office space will feature ample glass for natural light and include two large training rooms for employee education and customer demonstrations and training. Opus is also designing the building to accommodate overhead cranes that CDI uses in production and distribution. The building will have four dock doors and 221 vehicle parking stalls.

Opus is the developer, design-builder and architect and structural engineer of record on the project. ISG is the design architect, interior designer and civil engineer of record. The project is slated for completion August 2023.

About The Opus Group
The Opus Group® is a family of commercial real estate development, construction and design companies headquartered in Minneapolis with offices and projects across the country. Opus operates as an integrated, multidisciplinary team with expertise in development, capital markets and finance; project management and construction; and architecture and engineering. The Opus Group includes Opus Holding, L.L.C. and its operating subsidiaries: Opus Development Company, L.L.C., Opus Design Build, L.L.C. and Opus AE Group, L.L.C. Specializing in industrial, office, residential, retail and institutional projects, Opus has broad capabilities, deep experience and a proven design-build model that delivers solutions for customers on time and on budget. For more information, visit www.opus-group.com and follow The Opus Group on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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