Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority – Pier 12 Fabric Building 2425 Upper Middle Rd. – Burlington, ON
As part of a landmark 15-year agreement between the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) and Federal Marine Terminals (FMT), the Port of Hamilton required a massive expansion of its storage capabilities. GEN-PRO was proud to be the ICI contractor of a state-of-the-art 40,000-square-foot superstructure at Pier 12. Here’s how we provided a critical hub for Ontario’s trade and supply chain.
GEN-PRO was to transform the vision to bring the Pier 12 facility to life. The primary challenge was the sheer scale of the 160’ x 260’ structure, and the logistical precision required to build on a high-traffic, active pier.
Our team was tasked with executing a design that could handle a vast range of materials from “dry bulk” like aggregates, sugar, and grains to “break bulk” items like massive steel coils and heavy machinery. While the engineering was already established, the real-world execution required a specialized approach to ensure the space would be rugged enough for raw fertilizer yet clean and properly ventilated for food-grade grains. We had to ensure that every technical specification was met with absolute accuracy to accommodate these industrial flows.
With a new 15-year commitment on the table, HOPA and FMT needed a long-term solution for infrastructure. The fabric building was essential because it offered a clear-span design.
Without interior support pillars, the entire 40,000-square-foot floor remains unobstructed. This is a game-changer for port operations, as it allows cranes and heavy loaders to maneuver without the risk of hitting columns. It provides the Port with the ultimate flexibility to pivot between different types of cargo as global market demands shift.
The building was engineered and supported on 8-foot-high perimeter walls and a specialized interior stacking wall that was designed to withstand the lateral pressure of bulk materials piled high against them.
Our ICI contractors installed two 25’ x 25’ bi-parting doors at each end of the building that allowed the largest industrial vehicles and cargo loads to pass through simultaneously, streamlining the “in-and-out” logistics of the pier.
Next, to protect sensitive cargo like sugar and grain, we integrated high-capacity exhaust and make-up air systems along with specialized industrial lighting to ensure 24/7 operational safety and air quality.
Beyond the building itself, we handled the complex site servicing required to link this new warehouse into the existing Port of Hamilton infrastructure.
We make sure that we never work in a vacuum because our approach to construction project management is based on a collaborative mentality. We take great satisfaction in collaborating closely with clients all the way to the final inspection, making sure that each stakeholder’s vision is precisely achieved. Our established network of long-standing connections with a number of suppliers and subcontractors strengthens our synergy. These collaborations enable us to manage development while upholding strict deadlines and a high standard of quality.
At GEN-PRO, our continued success is built on consistently delivering projects like this one. Each project varies in complexity but remains consistent in quality. We are proud to have helped Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority expand its capacity to grow.
