The Right Expertise
Gray’s impressive portfolio has garnered both local and national attention from developers, contractors and owners seeking a trusted design partner with the right expertise. Our projects, ranging from small tenant improvements to massive logistics centers, have one thing in common – exceptional results with long-term value.
Eden Manufacturing Experience Center
Client: Nestlé Purina PetCare
Environmental Graphics | Interior Design
Overview
Nestlé Purina PetCare (Purina) revitalized the former Miller Coors facility in Eden, North Carolina, into a state-of-the-art dry pet food manufacturing plant. To introduce modern manufacturing to the next-generation workforce, the factory includes a Manufacturing Experience Center that showcases contemporary, sustainable manufacturing processes and the company’s investments in people and community. To achieve this goal, Purina selected Gray’s Branding + Graphics Studio to design a comprehensive environmental graphics package with over 15,000 square feet of dedicated space to facilitate public tours to engage and connect with the community.
Think Big
The challenge was creating bold, engaging content and graphics to maintain participant interest and control information overload and navigation within several spaces. Gray integrated large-scale graphics into a welcome area and hallways that lead into the expansive 300-foot-long, 22-foot-wide, 22-foot-high mezzanine that overlooks the manufacturing facility. Three-dimensional elements allowed for easy updates, while a dynamic blend of colors, fonts and digital screens enhanced participant interest and readability.
Design Big
Upon initial evaluation of the project site, Gray saw big potential. Knowing we were tasked with more than a graphics project, we returned to the studio with the opportunity to create something very impactful, something that no one had yet envisioned during the site assessment. Gray designed a visually striking welcome wall with bold infographics showcasing Purina’s positive impact on the Eden community. In the conference room, custom-designed furniture with interactive displays and product stations engaged visitors. Gray incorporated quotes from Purina’s founder, William Danforth, to humanize technical messaging about the organization’s mission and values. Digital screens offered supplementary information, enriching the educational experience. Overall, Gray’s design aimed to leave a lasting impression, showcasing Nestlé Purina PetCare’s contributions to the community and manufacturing excellence.
“
The vast expanse of space demanded we think big and approach this challenge with extraordinary ambition. I anticipated that this would be an epic design journey requiring meticulous project management and adept problem-solving to fulfill our commitment to the client. Fortunately, our vision has been impeccably realized by an outstanding team. We dared to push our limits and achieve something none of us have done before.”
Ben Franklin
Director of Branding + Graphics, Gray Design Group
Impact Big
Gray art-directed an onsite photoshoot highlighting the many faces and talents at Eden. Working closely with the internal communications team, Gray developed style guidelines, content reviews and project management to create a cohesive, immersive experience that continued to develop the relationship between Purina and the local community.
Summary
Understanding the importance of making a significant impact from the moment visitors enter the facility, along with Purina’s educational objectives, Gray showcases innovative design across a vast industrial space. Through bold design, innovative solutions, dynamic elements and digital integration, the space engages participants and allows for adaptability for future updates, promoting the company’s community education objectives and shaping a new generation of manufacturing.