QSM Delivers Innovative Solutions for First Solar’s Landmark Louisiana Facility
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With a solid display of project coordination and local expertise, QSM has successfully completed its role in First Solar’s groundbreaking $1.1 billion manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish, Louisiana.
The project, which will create more than 700 direct manufacturing jobs, showcases QSM’s ability to manage complex supply chains while maintaining strict budget and timeline requirements.
QSM worked closely with LEMOINE, which served as the civil and site utilities contractor on this project.
Project Scope and Leadership
The scope of QSM’s work included: approximately 20,000 linear feet of pipe, 85,000 square yards of fabric, and up to 195 structures that were supplied. These materials cover an area that spans more than two million square feet of facility and 350 acres of total site area.
This successful project was due in large part, thanks to a seamless collaboration between QSM’s project leaders, Corey Cloninger and Steven Gros, and LEMOINE’s team, led by Lee Atwood, Justin Proctor and Shannon Richard.
Communication and Planning
“This job was successful from day one thanks to such great communication between myself, Corey, and the LEMOINE team,” said Gros. “For example, we had multiple half-day meetings leading up to the project, and preparation was our key in the planning phase. That really paid off, because it helped this big project stay on schedule throughout the job.”
Innovative Materials and Solutions
The project showcased QSM’s comprehensive civil construction solutions, featuring products from six different manufacturers. Notable components included ADS’s high-performance pipe, which provided cost savings for pipes under 42 inches, and it also featured the largest Duraslot installation in Louisiana in more than five years, with Duraslot spanning up to 300 feet on the property.
The Duraslot system, known for its superior hydraulic efficiency and structural integrity, proved to be a cost-effective drainage solution at the large facility.
Additional materials which QSM supplied included — Solmax’s Mirafi Geotextiles, reinforced concrete pipe manufactured by Foley Products Company, and catch basins produced by Northshore Concrete Products.
The project required careful coordination of nearly one hundred separate deliveries to the construction site.
Corey Cloninger, who maintained a bi-weekly on-site presence for about six months, emphasized the importance of proactive planning: “I think this is a great example of how QSM works on complex projects. From the beginning we knew we had to get in front of it, so we put a priority list together and shared that with LEMOINE. This wasn’t just one or two truckloads of pipe.”
The spirit of collaboration extended beyond the construction site
QSM team members Josh Loeske, Eric Beach, Gros, and Cloninger demonstrated their commitment to building strong relationships by coordinating efforts with Ben St. Cyr, of ADS Pipe, and together, this team prepared a jambalaya feast for approximately 100 of LEMOINE’s workers, which exemplifies the project’s collaborative spirit, and the “can do attitude,” which all brought to the table for First Solar.
Says Loeske, “The real highlight here is the way Corey and Steven worked so closely with Lee Atwood at LEMOINE, and then also with our manufacturers to maintain a well-oiled supply chain from start to finish.”
“In my mind, what stands out is the trust LEMOINE had in QSM to coordinate and deliver the massive quantities of product on this project,” said Loeske. “I’d just like to give a huge shout out to our team and offer sincere thank you to LEMOINE.”
This project represents a significant milestone in Louisiana’s economic development. The facility, which is scheduled to be operational by 2026, stands as a testament to the power of local businesses working together with global industry leaders to create a long lasting economic impact in the region.
For QSM, the successful completion of this project reinforces their position as a leading provider of civil construction solutions, in Louisiana, and across the Southeast. QSM is capable of handling large-scale, complex projects while maintaining the highest standards of service and efficiency.
As a versatile multi-professional services company, LEMOINE takes pride in delivering enduring solutions that stand the test of time. The company does not simply build projects but engineers outcomes that drive long-term success for clients and communities alike. With a deep commitment to innovation, efficiency, and resilience, LEMOINE serves as a trusted partner throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring that every initiative is executed with precision and purpose.
Headquartered in Louisiana, LEMOINE has expanded its footprint with strategically located offices across the Southeastern United States, Texas, and Puerto Rico. This expansion allows the company to effectively serve clients across diverse industries and geographies.
LEMOINE’S success comes from understanding the owner’s philosophy, defining project goals, developing the strategy and establishing strong team collaboration. This was all evident throughout the time we spent on this project.
For more information, and to inquire about QSM’s site solutions, please call 855-469-2015.