Hills Meat Renovations and Addition

McCormack Construction is partnering with Jim and Nicole Cheney of Hills Premium Meats on a major expansion and renovation of their meat processing facility in Pendleton, Oregon. The $12.4 million project is currently in progress and represents a significant investment in one of Eastern Oregon’s largest employers and most generous community supporters. This family-owned and operated business is doubling its pork production capacity to meet growing demand and strengthen its position in the industrial food services market.

The project involves a 21,078-square-foot addition to increase pork production capacity and an 11,682-square-foot renovation of the current production area to accommodate new workflow, for a total project scope of 32,760 square feet. McCormack is serving as CM/GC and design-build lead for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire sprinkler systems. The 18-month project is being completed at the existing facility located at 1503 NW 50th Street while Hills Premium Meats continues full production operations.

Key challenges include managing technical design complexities specific to meat processing facilities, navigating existing site conditions, resolving conflicts with existing utilities, and constructing within an occupied facility operating at full capacity. The technical requirements for food processing environments demand precise climate control, sanitation systems, and specialized equipment integration, all while maintaining compliance with stringent food safety regulations and minimizing disruption to daily operations.

To address these challenges, McCormack is working closely with the owners to ensure programming and workflow accuracy for facility operations. The team conducted civil and structural investigations to understand existing conditions and proactively identify potential conflicts. McCormack has adopted an adaptability approach, bringing solutions to every problem using a “1-3-1” methodology: for every issue, the team presents three possible solutions with one clear recommendation. Comprehensive safety measures have been implemented to ensure Hills Premium Meats workers can continue operating safely and efficiently throughout construction.

The project is progressing well, building a strong relationship with a valued client and creating potential for referral work within their network. For McCormack Construction, this project demonstrates expertise in complex industrial food processing facility expansion while maintaining full operational continuity and upholding the highest safety standards.