Graco Distribution Center

Headquartered in Minneapolis, with global facilities serving over 100 countries, Graco leads the way in manufacturing fluid-handling equipment. To expand its outreach, Graco sought a sustainable and cost-effective solution that would innovate operations, production, storage, and distribution. Here, JLG provided a master plan and data that verified 530,000 SF spanning two unique yet cohesive structures within one industrial campus in Dayton, MN. In Dayton, public hearings shared plans for Graco’s 530,000 SF office, employee-driven amenities, a fully automated distribution center with high-tech robotics and solar-powered sustainability, walking trails to French Lake, and wetland conservation. Completed in 2023, the facility’s roof features a 1.4-megawatt array of over 3,100 solar panels, providing 20% of Graco’s power needs while offsetting 23,000 tons of CO2. For building envelope efficiency and adaptability, JLG utilized removable precast insulated wall panels, supporting a 200,000 SF future expansion. Efficient engineering accounts for advanced redundancy in its systems, so operation experiences zero downtime for any electrical outages, allowing customer needs to be met 24/7. This new facility is ready to grow with Graco and the community of Dayton, weaving together the best in high-performance design, technology, robotics, and people.