Jacksonville News

Stellar Wins First-Ever DBIA Award for Bell & Evans Project

Stellar awarded with National Award of Merit in the Industrial, Process, and/or
Research Category
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (August 29, 2023) — Stellar, a leader in architecture, engineering and
construction services, has won a Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Award for Excellence in
Design-Build for the Bell & Evans Organic Chicken Facility in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania.
“This award reflects Stellar's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation within the
design-build realm,” said Brian Kappele, Stellar’s CEO. “The Bell & Evans project showcases Stellar's
proficiency in merging design and construction to yield exceptional results while reshaping industry
benchmarks.”
Stellar accelerated Bell & Evans' market entry by using the design-build project delivery method.
Unlike traditional approaches, design-build offers flexibility for real-time adjustments during design
and construction. This adaptability enabled Bell & Evans to refine areas for an enhanced team
experience as the facility took shape.
The cutting-edge processing plant efficiently handles higher chicken processing volumes while
prioritizing employee safety. Through advanced automation, the facility operates with minimal staff,
and the meticulously chosen process equipment ensures longevity and easy maintenance. These
efficiencies not only drive growth but also cement the brand's expansion.
“Our strategy was a prime example of expediting a project timeline using the design-build process,"
said Nathan Edwards, Stellar’s Senior Project Manager for the Bell & Evans project. "The phases
were designed to provide precast vendors and joist manufacturers enough information to begin
manufacturing components while our teams worked through the remaining details."
Stellar prioritized sustainability throughout the plant's design, reusing energy to maximize lifecycle
cost efficiency. This approach reduces operational, maintenance and disposal expenses while
contributing to environmental preservation.
As a Merit Award recipient, Stellar is now a contender for DBIA's National Awards of Excellence,
representing the pinnacle of recognition within categories such as industrial, process and research.
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About DBIA
The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) serves as a leading authority in the design-build
industry, fostering collaboration and innovation among professionals in architecture, engineering,
construction, and related fields. DBIA's mission is to advance the use of the design-build delivery
method, which seamlessly integrates design and construction processes under a unified approach.
With a focus on delivering successful projects, DBIA provides valuable resources, education, and
networking opportunities, empowering industry stakeholders to achieve excellence in project delivery,
cost-effectiveness, and client satisfaction.
About Stellar
Stellar is a fully integrated design, engineering, construction, refrigeration, and mechanical services
firm serving commercial, industrial, and public sector markets across the United States. More than
750 Stellar employees create award-winning food processing plants, refrigerated warehouses,
distribution centers, commercial buildings, and military facilities. In addition to its Jacksonville, Florida,
headquarters, Stellar offers service and support locations throughout the United States. For more
information, visit www.stellar.net.
Media Contact:
Stellar
Carina Brillhart
Director of Marketing
cbrillhart@stellar.net
904-470-0440