Building for Growth: The Cober Solutions Expansion
Cober Solutions, a fourth-generation, family-owned print and marketing company, expanded its Kitchener, Ontario headquarters to support its continued growth. Cober Solutions added substantial industrial, warehouse and office capacity while maintaining operations in the existing facility. Gateman-Milloy Inc. served as general contractor, with Igloo Installations responsible for the insulated metal panel (IMP) installation.
The new envelope needed to connect cleanly with the occupied building, accommodate four truck loading docks and create a refreshed façade that visually unified the existing and new construction. With production continuing throughout the work, the project also required an enclosure strategy suited to a compressed schedule.
Since IMPs can be installed much faster than traditional multi-layer wall assemblies, they helped the project team enclose the addition more efficiently. That efficiency mattered on a project that needed to meet a firm deadline while building beside an active production facility.
Two panels, two distinct roles
For this building expansion, 3-inch Norex-L panels with a polyisocyanurate core were used across much of the envelope. Their high thermal performance relative to wall thickness made them well suited to a large industrial space, helping the design team balance energy performance with an efficient wall assembly. 6-inch Noroc-L mineral wool panels were also specified where a two-hour fire-resistance rating was required. This provided a fire-rated solution for a facility that combines print production, warehousing and office functions under one roof.
The exterior palette combined Bright White with Grey Rigel. Bright White gives the building a clean, professional appearance, while Grey Rigel introduces contrast and helps define key façade areas. Longer panel lengths also reduce the frequency of visible horizontal joints, supporting cleaner elevations across the large wall surfaces.
For architects and contractors, the Cober Solutions expansion demonstrates the value of pairing systems according to performance needs while maintaining one coordinated envelope strategy. Norbec’s IMP portfolio made it possible to address thermal efficiency, fire resistance, installation speed and visual consistency within the same project.
About Cober Solutions
Cober Solutions delivers effective content through print, digital, interactive and integrated services that focus on strategy and metrics. Their expertise is rooted in over 100 years in the print industry. As an industry leader in marketing, print and technology innovation, they specialize in creating and delivering impactful brand marketing and communication services for reputable brands across Canada and the United States. Through growth, acquisition and training, Cober has now become an integral strategic partner with a vast array of consulting and support services.
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