Le Creuset, a global cookware, bakeware and kitchen tools brand, recently announced it is expanding its operations again in Hampton County. “We are proud to continue our investment and deepen our roots within this community,” said Greg Cairo, CEO of Le Creuset of America. “This expansion not only represents our growth as an organization, but our dedication to the individuals across Hampton County who have supported us for nearly five decades.” this new Early Branch facility is Le Creuset’s fourth expansion in the area. The company’s investment will add 30 new jobs to the hundreds it has already created as Hampton County’s second-largest employer.
The operation center’s design takes inspiration from Le Creuset’s distinct branding, including the use of flame-orange Dutch ovens as restroom sinks. Located on 62 acres, the 300,000-square-foot distribution facility will include approximately 22,000 square feet of office space with amenities that prioritize employee wellness. Employees will have access to a large multi-function indoor / outdoor café amenity area and natural light is incorporated into all spaces, even the warehouse and shipping areas. The fulfillment area includes a conveying system, racking, and pack stations, with interior glass that allows office staff to oversee operations.
“Each aspect of their business, from administration to distribution, sales, and logistics, has a distinct area of the building that is their ‘neighborhood,’” says John Pendergrass, project architect, McMillan Pazdan Smith. “Visitors are greeted by an impressive two-story lobby with views into the distribution warehouse as a reminder of the primary work that goes on here, while physical and digital displays of the Le Creuset products and branding fill the public area.”
The design-build team is led by Frampton Construction. “Le Creuset is globally recognized for its quality and craftsmanship. The owner’s directive to the design-build team was to deliver a facility that improved efficiency. Our final design achieves the best of both worlds, integrating their distinctive brand with operational excellence,” said Frampton Construction President and CEO Chad Frampton.
Le Creuset’s project team have been very hands-on with the decision-making process, maintaining an open-minded approach to new ideas and suggestions from the design team.
About Le Creuset
For nearly a century, Le Creuset has been creating joy in the kitchen and beyond as the first in colorful cookware, the finest in quality and design and the favorite for generations. Le Creuset is honored to share in the meals, memories and traditions made by food lovers around the world with its unrivaled selection of bold, rich colors in a range of finishes and materials. To learn more about Le Creuset, visit www.LeCreuset.com.