Food Processing

Midlands Mechanical has been continuously involved with Cargill’s Nebraska City facility since original construction in the 1990s. The site includes a 120,000 sq ft plant with a 16,500 sq ft addition — and we’ve completed everything from initial build-out to critical shutdown piping, utility relocation, and specialized food-grade system work.

This plant remains one of our most active long-term clients. From underground trench work to oven system rebuilds, we’ve delivered decades of mechanical support for fast-track, complex, and production-sensitive projects.

Scope of Work & Responsibilities

• Steam, condensate, hot water, and process water systems
• High-pressure wash-down systems
• Natural gas and methane piping
• Compressed air system installation and maintenance
• Sanitary food-grade process piping
• Underground steam, gas, water mains, sanitary sewer, drains, and vents
• Oven utilities
• Rack washer tie-ins, CIP piping, tumbler relocations
• Steam control valve procurement and coordination
• Flash tank vent and sump tank replacements
• Cold water tie-ins and sprinkler piping
• WWTP pit and drain inspections
• Ventilation fan installs and oven exhaust modifications
• Drain line jetting, relocation, and cleanout installation
• Shutdown-based installs and weekend-only construction windows

Client Note

This facility is one of our most consistent job sites. We’re trusted to plan and execute shutdowns, upgrades, and emergency response — even on short notice — because we know the site, the staff, and how to work safely around production.

Midlands Mechanical was selected to provide full mechanical support for the conversion of an existing 535,000 sq ft warehouse into a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Hormel Foods. Our team installed nearly every mechanical system in the building — including underground piping, utility connections, and process systems across the entire plant.

From day one, the project required aggressive coordination, tight timelines, and precision installation. We handled everything from boiler systems to nitrogen and hydraulic process piping — along with hundreds of utility drops, fixtures, and drains throughout the facility.

Scope of Work:

• Underground drain, waste, and vent systems
• Process piping: steam, condensate, nitrogen, hydraulic, compressed air
• Domestic water and sanitary sewer
• Air compressors, dryers, and complete utility air system
• Boiler installation and support piping
• Reverse osmosis water system and high-purity supply lines
• Hose stations, sinks, eye wash stations, and utility drops throughout
• Full mechanical infrastructure for new manufacturing layout
• Shutdown support, tie-ins, and production equipment hook-ups

Client Note:

This was a fast-paced conversion project with major mechanical complexity. We were trusted to install it all — and did so under tight scheduling and coordination alongside multiple trades.

Midlands Mechanical, Inc. was hired for this design / build which involved remodeling an existing plant as well as new construction in order to suit the owner’s needs. We furnished and installed the complete plumbing, HVAC in the office mezzanine area, battery charging area, Kitchen conference area, Vehicle Maintenance Facility, and Beverage shop. We also furnished and installed radiant heat in the dry dock area, provided complete plumbing in the refrigeration mechanical room. 

Project Team and Statistics

• Architect: Nexus
• Mechanical Engineer: AES Engineering
• General Contractor: Big D Construction
• Completion Date: August 2012
• Bid Type: Design Build

Major Program Spaces

• Remodel existing building – 197,723 square feet
• Additional new construction – 176,535 square feet

 Project Responsibilities

• Domestic Water Piping
• Roof Drain Piping
• Insulation
• Waste and Vent Piping
• Natural Gas
• Sheetmetal / Air Distribution