By Rob Harrison, Senior Vice President/Project Executive

Returning to a 55,000-SF recycling facility we originally built nearly a decade ago allowed us to do more than modernize the building—it highlighted what’s possible when planning, alignment, and execution begin early and stay consistent.

At CM&B, we recently completed a major transformation of the facility originally delivered in 2015. Working closely with Republic Services, HFA, Machine X, and a wide network of partners, we supported and provided infrastructure for the next-generation technology online through precise planning, coordination, and execution.

Nearly a year before construction started, our team began engaged with key partners to ensure the facility could support the scale and complexity of the new sorting system.

Design was critical—and it had to be precise. The new equipment would be installed within 12 inches of the low point of the building structure and within inches of the push wall, leaving virtually no margin for error. Managed design coordination with HFA ensured every dimension, tolerance, and interface was fully resolved well in advance.

In parallel, we worked closely with the local utility provider to confirm sufficient power and energy capacity to support the new equipment —an essential step in maintaining the project schedule.

As planning progressed, additional complexities came into focus. Approximately 30% of the existing slab needed to be removed and replaced with several different high strength concrete and reinforcing materials to support the new equipment loads. This work required careful, precise dimensions-based multiple surveys to align with existing structural materials, equipment requirements, and installation sequencing.

Mounting base plates, structural interfaces, and equipment supports were all designed based on Machine X equipment specifications.  From the earliest stages and throughout the duration of the project the design was challenged by the new requirements and the limitations of the existing facility. That early engagement proved critical to aligning design intent with real-world installation requirements.To support that coordination, the team leveraged advanced BIM modeling to plan every component, pathway, and connection in advance. This approach allowed us to integrate new technology seamlessly into an existing structure—while minimizing risk and ensuring precision throughout construction.

We also worked closely with Republic Services’ Environmental Group, providing documentation for DEP and EPA application requirements to ensure the upgraded facility met all regulatory and environmental standards.

Despite extensive preplanning, the project moved forward during a period of significant external challenges, including a major labor strike and the implementation of new federal tariff requirements. Through proactive communication and strong partner alignment, the team maintained momentum without losing time.

One of the most notable coordination efforts involved logistics: 84 containers of equipment shipped from Machine X in Canada to the Peabody MA facility. Not only were we able to move this equipment across the border, but the team successfully navigated delivery through active Teamsters picket lines—a testament to the level of coordination and cooperation across all parties.  Site limitations mandated that the deliveries follow specific dates and sequencing based on the installation flow of the equipment

Thanks to early planning, precise execution, and close collaboration, the project stayed on schedule and was turned over exactly as intended. The upgraded facility is now fully operational, integrating advanced sorting technology into a building designed to evolve.

The outcome reinforced the value of aligned teams and shared accountability. Republic Services was extremely pleased with the result and has since asked our team to return for multiple additional assignments—a meaningful measure of trust earned through performance.

It’s also a reflection of CM&B’s People.Building. philosophy—bringing the right teams together early on, solid planning, communicating openly, and delivering with care, precision, and purpose. When buildings are designed for a specific purpose and teams are aligned from the start, the results speak for themselves.

Rob Harrison
Senior Vice President/Project Executive