The SICK Campus USA Production & Logistics Facility represents the first phase of a long-term vision to establish a North American headquarters and technology campus in Bloomington, Minnesota's South Loop district. More than a manufacturing building, Phase 1 establishes the operational, architectural, and cultural foundation for a campus designed to support innovation, advanced manufacturing, and continued expansion throughout North America.

SICK Sensor Intelligence, headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany, is a global leader in industrial sensor technology, automation, and intelligent manufacturing systems. As the company expanded its North American operations, it sought a facility that would reflect the same precision, innovation, and engineering excellence embodied in its products while providing the flexibility to accommodate future growth.

From the earliest planning stages, Clow Berg worked collaboratively with SICK leadership, the City of Bloomington, utility providers, and the Metropolitan Airports Commission to create a campus that balances operational performance with long-term community value. The result demonstrates how thoughtful planning and integrated design can transform a highly technical industrial facility into an enduring corporate asset.

Planning for the Future

Rather than viewing Phase 1 as a standalone project, the facility was conceived as the cornerstone of a multi-phase campus. Every aspect of the site and building was planned to accommodate future expansion while maintaining operational continuity and a cohesive architectural identity.

The Production & Logistics Facility serves as the central hub for three future phases, including the Technology Resource Center, creating a flexible campus framework capable of evolving alongside SICK's business, technology, and workforce.

This long-range planning strategy allows the campus to grow organically while protecting earlier investments and minimizing disruption to ongoing operations.

Precision Through Simplicity

The architecture reflects SICK's commitment to precision, clarity, and performance. Rather than relying on expressive forms or unnecessary complexity, the design embraces restraint—allowing proportion, material quality, and technical execution to define the building's character.

A refined palette of precast concrete and glass creates a timeless architectural expression that communicates permanence, innovation, and craftsmanship. The precast façade incorporates polished, acid-etched, and sandblasted finishes, introducing subtle variation that responds to changing daylight while expressing the precision of modern manufacturing.

Large expanses of high-performance curtain wall introduce abundant natural daylight into both office and production environments—challenging the traditional warehouse model and creating healthier, more inspiring spaces for employees throughout the facility.

Manufacturing Designed Around People

Clow Berg believes that industrial buildings should support the wellbeing of the people who work within them as intentionally as they support production.

The facility was organized to create efficient operational flows while providing employees with daylight, visual connections, intuitive circulation, and high-quality work environments. Administrative offices, logistics, production, and support spaces are carefully integrated to encourage communication while maintaining operational efficiency.

The resulting workplace elevates the employee experience without compromising the rigorous performance requirements of advanced manufacturing.

Collaboration Beyond the Building

The success of the project reflects a collaborative planning process involving SICK leadership, public agencies, infrastructure providers, and the local community.

Working closely with the City of Bloomington and the Metropolitan Airports Commission, the design team addressed complex site planning, transportation, utility coordination, and aviation considerations to ensure the campus would become a long-term asset for both SICK and the surrounding South Loop district.

This integrated approach demonstrates Clow Berg's belief that successful projects emerge through meaningful partnerships and shared problem-solving.

A Campus Designed to Evolve

Phase 1 establishes both the physical and philosophical framework for SICK's North American campus. As future phases—including the Technology Resource Center and additional expansion buildings—are realized, the Production & Logistics Facility will remain the operational heart of a connected environment where manufacturing, research, education, and customer engagement work together seamlessly.

The campus reflects Clow Berg's belief that great industrial architecture should be more than efficient—it should inspire confidence, support innovation, foster collaboration, and create lasting value for employees, clients, and the broader community.

Planning Principles

• Plan Beyond Today – Design buildings and campuses that anticipate growth and adapt to evolving organizational needs.

• Precision Through Simplicity – Express innovation through thoughtful proportions, refined detailing, and honest materials.

• People-Centered Manufacturing – Create industrial workplaces that prioritize daylight, wellbeing, safety, and employee experience.

• Integrated Collaboration – Engage owners, public agencies, and community partners to create solutions that benefit both the project and its surroundings.

• Flexible Infrastructure – Establish a campus framework that supports phased expansion while protecting long-term investments.

• Timeless Performance – Employ durable materials and efficient systems that balance architectural quality with operational excellence.

• Building Community Value – Design facilities that contribute positively to the surrounding neighborhood while advancing the client's long-term vision.