From Ground-Up to Next Generation: A Full-Circle Facility Upgrade


By Rob Harrison, Senior Vice President/Project Executive

Returning to a facility nearly a decade after first building it is rare—and it offers a unique perspective on what long-term collaboration and thoughtful construction can achieve.

At CM&B, we recently completed a major modernization of a recycling facility we originally delivered in 2015. Working alongside Republic Services, HFA, and a highly coordinated project team, we reimagined the building with next-generation technology and precision planning—bringing the facility forward to meet today’s operational demands.

The 2025 Upgrade: Collaboration and Innovation

For the 2025 project, CM&B completed a full-scope design transformation of the facility. The work included:

  • Decommissioning the original sorting system
  • Comprehensive structural and infrastructure upgrades
  • Installation of a cutting-edge sorting system from Machine X (Canada)
  • Extensive coordination required for an intricate, technology-driven installation

Projects of this complexity only succeed when all partners are aligned. From early planning through execution, collaboration between CM&B, Republic Services, HFA, and our trade partners was critical to sequencing work, solving challenges in real time, and maintaining momentum.

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.

Lessons Learned & Moving Forward

Returning to this facility reinforced the value of long-term thinking and strong partnerships. Buildings are not static—they evolve. When projects are delivered with care, collaboration, and foresight, they’re better positioned to adapt as technology and operational needs change.

This full-circle project reflects how CM&B approaches complex industrial work: with deep technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to delivering facilities that perform well beyond day one.

Projects like this only work when everyone is aligned. From planning through execution, the collaboration between CM&B, Republic Services, and the full project team was critical to delivering a modernized facility built for long-term performance.”

Rob Harrison
Senior Vice President/Project Executive

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