b'10 DTWCARGOhere at DTW is very important, says Michael Crews used a laser screedK. Jackson II, senior vice president of Planning to level the new pavement.and Construction, Economic Development, Concessions and Environmental Services for Wayne County Airport Authority. For us, it aligned to keep that business here in Michigan. Keeping FedEx at DTW strengthens its cargo operations and supports broaderMICHAEL K. JACKSON IIregional development efforts led by the Detroit Region Aerotropolis, which has been actively working to expand logistics in the area. The cargo ramp facility project supports that shared vision and reflects successful collaboration. This all aligns, Jackson says. Were excited that we were able to work together on this project.The primary design goal was to create a state-of-the-art, fully integrated facility that consolidates multiple cargo handling functions into one cohesive location. Drawing on lessons learned from a recent FedEx facility build in Ontario, CA, the team focused on efficiencyespecially the seamless transfer of packages between aircraft and the sort facility. In addition to the main sorting facility and administration building, the project included support infrastructure like a vehicle maintenance and vehicle wash facility, a generator building and covered storage for ground equipment. (See Facts & Figures PHOTO: IAFRATE CONSTRUCTION section on Page 9 for a list of other features.)For the primary building, designers specified a two-tiered exterior wall system: durable concrete at the lower level to withstand wear from tugs and trucks, and lighter metal panels on upper sections and the administrative building. This approach aligns with FedExs design standards, which emphasize functionality, with prominent company signage. Interior finishes also followed the carriers standard guidelines. We worked with our interior design team to pick out the best materials for the Admin Building, both with a longer lifespan and definitely taking advantage of the recyclability of the products, says John Nimry, senior aviation architect with Ghafari Associates. JOHN NIMRYBuilt for Throughput and EfficiencyENGINEERS & PLANNERS The new facility combines FedEx operations in Detroit into one automated sort facility on airport property. The modern, scalable MORE THAN A CONSULTANT operation offers more capabilities than the previous facilities, including support for perishable and oversized shipments. Its also A trusted partner, passionate about aviation,higher-tech. Enhanced technology streamlines package sorting, dedicated to the industry, and committed to your airporttracking and processing, including the use of automated sorting systems, real-time tracking and advanced data analytics to improve efficiency and accuracy, comments FedEx Senior Vice President of Network Operations Ken Wilson. The fully automated sorting system is 407-599-1122 capable of processing up to 12,000 packages www.avconinc.com per hourdouble the rate of the companys prior on-airport building. It is so key, the project team designed the building around it, ratherKEN WILSONSeptember 2025AirportImprovement.com'