Copy of Building in Remote Locations: Lessons from 20+ Years and 600 Projects Worldwide

Every heavy industrial construction project brings a unique set of challenges, and the difference between a successful outcome and a costly mistake often comes down to one thing: experience. As you plan your build, keep in mind that choosing the right contractor isn’t just important… it’s a must.

At Colony Construction, we’ve spent over four decades building across diverse industries and terrains. With more than 600 completed projects and a footprint that spans four continents, we know what it takes to deliver complex industrial construction projects, whether it’s pre-engineered building design or steel fabrication and erection, all delivered with precision, safety, and integrity. Here’s why experience matters:

Heavy Industrial Projects That Deliver

Over the years, we’ve delivered innovative solutions for complex industrial projects in the United States. Two standout examples highlight our ability to meet urgent timelines and challenging environments while maintaining cost efficiency and long-term durability.

1. Larsen Farms Potato Storage Facilities

When Larsen Farms, located in Dalhart, Texas, needed nearly 100,000 SF of enclosed space on short notice for their Potato Storage Facilities, we delivered. Within just “four weeks” of the order, the buildings were shipped to site, and each of the four 22,000 SF structures was installed in only 1.5 weeks. 

Using Curvet pre-engineered steel buildings, we provided a cost-effective, frameless solution that clear-spans up to 110’ wide. Fast, flexible, and built for agricultural demand. This serves as a great example of our expertise in custom steel building solutions and cost-efficient steel buildings for the agricultural sector.

2. Morenci Settler Tank Covers

In Morenci, Arizona, we engineered a 10,000 SF (930 SM) long-lasting solution to combat ONE of the toughest environments for steel. Settler tanks produce extreme corrosion, and traditional heavy-duty paint systems require costly, regular maintenance. 

To eliminate downtime and extend service life, we supplied a frameless, pre-engineered building made entirely of stainless steel to serve as tank covers. This approach allowed the material itself (not just a coating) to withstand corrosive exposure, setting a higher standard for industrial resilience and reinforcing our reputation as a top building contractor in the USA trusted for highly specialized industrial facilities.

The Role of Remote Locations in Heavy Industrial Construction

When it comes to heavy industrial construction, location plays a massive role in the project’s complexity, especially when it involves remote sites. Many large-scale builds are located far from urban centers, often in resource-heavy regions where operations require live-in work camps for crews.

These remote locations introduce a unique set of challenges. Logistics become a critical aspect of project planning, from transporting materials and specialized equipment to scheduling flights or road access for crews. Everything must be coordinated with precision to avoid costly delays.

Live-in work camps are often the solution to workforce challenges, providing accommodation, food, and essential services for construction teams. While these sites can help streamline work on the ground, they also demand an entirely separate layer of infrastructure and management.

Through our proven experience, we’ve managed successful projects in some of the most remote and extreme environments, from the corrosive conditions of Morenci, Arizona, to the challenging climate of Larsen Farms, Texas. 

In addition, we have completed similar projects such as manufacturing facility construction, mill building construction, and truck shop building construction in equally demanding environments. We understand what it takes to deliver safely (and effectively), no matter where the job takes us..

Why Specialized Experience Matters

1. Technical Foresight and Design Intelligence

An experienced contractor understands how early decisions impact every phase of the build. From optimizing structural steel design to accommodating mechanical systems, seasoned professionals bring foresight that prevents costly rework down the road.

2. Compliance and Regulatory Navigation

Heavy industrial projects often require permits, environmental assessments, and rigorous safety measures. A contractor with regulatory experience can streamline approvals, ensure code compliance, and protect your investment from avoidable delays or penalties.

3. Efficiency Through Execution

Industrial construction is about scale and scalability. A contractor who has managed both large and mid-size industrial projects can scale teams, manage schedules effectively, and keep costs under control. They know when to pivot, how to troubleshoot, and what proactive steps to take to mitigate risk.

4. Risk Management and Safety

Every industrial site comes with its own risk profile. Experience teaches a contractor how to plan for contingencies and maintain safety standards, no matter the environment.

5. Long-Term Value

More than just meeting the specs, an experienced contractor builds with the future in mind, ensuring facilities, from wastewater treatment plant buildings to aviation hangar builder projects, are durable, adaptable, and optimized for ongoing operational success.

What to Look For in an Experienced Industrial Contractor

If you’re vetting potential contractors, here are the hallmarks of experience that should guide your decision:

1. A Proven Track Record: Ask for relevant case studies and references. Look for companies that have delivered heavy industrial projects of a similar scale and complexity.

   
   

2. Certifications and Standards: Ensure they adhere to high safety and quality benchmarks, such as COR® certification or industry-specific standards.
   

3. Full-Service Capabilities: From pre-engineered buildings to conventional steel solutions and full industrial building design-build services tailored to unique operational needs, choose a contractor who can manage the project end-to-end.
   

4. Expert Team: Look beyond the brand name. Ask about the qualifications and track record of the actual project managers, site supervisors, and engineers.
   

5. Diverse Project Experience: Has the contractor worked across remote locations, challenging climates, and multiple industries? A diverse portfolio is a good sign of resilience and adaptability.
   

How Colony Construction Builds with Confidence

Big-picture thinking meets boots-on-the-ground execution when you work with a trusted industrial contractor in Denver like us.

Our promise? Tenacious creativity. We solve problems before they happen, and we do it with a mindset that says "yes" to complex challenges. We don’t just build structures, we build value.

As we continue expanding our operations across the United States, including our new base in Denver, Colorado, we bring that same level of precision, care, and purpose to every job site we step onto.

Choose Experience, Always!

In industrial construction, there’s NO substitute for experience. From understanding the nuances of heavy industrial builds to navigating safety, compliance, and structural challenges, the right contractor is one that has been there before.

With a reputation built on ‘Building Happiness,’ Colony Construction brings a legacy of quality, trust, and creative problem-solving to every project. Whether you’re breaking ground on a new facility or expanding your current operations, we’re ready to build with you (and build with certainty).

Have a heavy industrial project in mind?

Talk to our team about your next project and explore the best solutions for your needs. Contact us today at 604-541-2604 or visit www.colonyconstruction.com.