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Frampton Construction announced plans last week to build a 300,000-square-foot distribution facility for upscale cookware manufacturer Le Creuset of America (LCOA) in Hampton County, South Carolina.
The new facility, situated on 62 acres, includes building distribution space for bulk and direct-to-consumer shipments, 22,000 square feet of office space, employee amenity facilities, and general storage.
The facility will unify LCOA’s distribution operations, which cover multiple storage warehouses in Hampton County.
Frampton Construction leads the design-build team with architect partner McMillan Pazdan Smith.
French company Le Creuset has manufactured cast iron cookware with bold enamel hues since 1925. It is the second largest employer in Hampton County, and its community presence spans nearly fifty years.
Design cues are baked into the design, taking cues from Le Creuset’s distinct brand. For example, the cookware manufacturer’s distinct flame-orange Dutch ovens are repurposed as restroom sinks.
The front entrance will serve as the retail space, with 2,180 square feet of storefront.
John Pendergrass, project architect from McMillan Pazdan Smith, said, “Visitors are greeted by an impressive two-story lobby with views into the distribution warehouse as a reminder of the primary work that goes on here, while physical and digital displays of the Le Creuset products and branding fill the public area.”
Architect rendering of the La Creuset facility in Hampton County, South Carolina. Image: McMillan Pazdan Smith
The collaborative work environment design includes administration, sales, and logistics areas. Employee amenities include a kitchen and breakroom, locker facilities, an outdoor patio, and a walking path around a pond.
Future growth provisions in the design allow for a 120,000-square-foot expansion and the infrastructure to support solar panel installations.
The design-build team incorporated Le Creuset brand elements into the building design in Hampton County, SC. Le Creuset pioneered cast iron, enameled cookware like their Signature Dutch Oven. Image: Le Creuset
McMillan Pazdan Smith said in a statement, “Le Creuset’s project team have been very hands-on with the decision-making process, maintaining an open-minded approach to new ideas and suggestions from the design team.”
Frampton Construction provides planning and design support, preconstruction, and construction services. Its offices are in Charleston, SC, Charlotte, NC, and Tampa, FL.
Its President and Chief Executive Officer Chad Frampton said, “Our final design achieves the best of both worlds, integrating their distinctive brand with operational excellence.”
Construction is expected to be completed in December 2025.
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