Approximately 8,600 sq. ft. of Metl-Span’s Tuff Wall® panels provided the stucco-like appearance that was a key design component for the corporate headquarters addition to the Hitchiner Manufacturing facility in Milford, NH. Hitchiner is a premier casting supplier to manufacturers in the aerospace gas turbine engine industry.

The exterior of the 46,000 sq. ft. addition to the company’s John H. Morrison building presents a blend of Metl-Span insulated metal panels, masonry and expansive windows combined with vaulted exposed timber entry canopies.

The 2” Tuff Wall panels were installed horizontally in widths of 24”, 30” and 36”. In addition, approximately 1,000 sq. ft. of Light Mesa wall panels in 42” widths were installed vertically.

The design-build project partnered Fulcrum Associates of Amherst, NH with Dennis Mires PA The Architects, Manchester, NH. “The owner is always budget-conscious and initially considered an EIFS exterior for cost purposes,” said Mires. “But the insurance provider stipulated a skin that would meet burn rate requirements. Metl-Span provided a way to meet the insurance requirements as well as stay within budget while providing a look that reflects the high tech nature of the company.”

Installation of the Metl-Span panels was done by Riess Construction, LLC, Plymouth, NH. According to owner Mike Riess, “The job was relatively straight-forward although the design did call for pylasters to cover the vertical joints and corners. With a horizontal installation, the challenge is always to maintain the lines around the building. We had a lot of interaction with the architect to make sure the coursing was correct.”

Dennis Mires concurs. “One of the reasons the job was so successful is due to the fact that we were able to sit down with the installer and go over the shop drawings and work out all of the details,” Mires said. “It became a very coordinated installation and we relied heavily on the experience and knowledge that Riess Construction brought to the table.”