COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) operates an international chain of membership
warehouses that offer one of the most exclusive product category selections found
under a single roof. Known for carrying top quality national and regional brands,
Costco is able to offer its members great value by eliminating all the frills and costs
historically associated with conventional wholesalers and retailers.
THE CHALLENGE
Operating large warehouse-type structures enables Costco to provide value at the
lowest possible price to its members. These warehouses carry relatively heavy floor
loads compared to other retailers because bulk merchandise is stored on large gorilla
racks and loaded with forklifts. These heavy loads make the floor slab more
susceptible to damage from unstable soil conditions that could create cracks or
uneven floors, making it difficult for members to maneuver their carts full of
merchandise. Costco also actively strives to manage and control potential risks due
to environmental conditions that could affect member safety or result in unexpected
expenditures due to contaminated soil, groundwater, or air.
KLEINFELDER’S SOLUTION
Through a relationship of mutual respect, Kleinfelder works with Costco to
implement value-based solutions for managing risks from geotechnical or
environmental conditions that could affect warehouse operations. Costco relies on
Kleinfelder to identify risks to their business associated with conditions in the
natural environment, and to provide engineered solutions to limit and/or manage
those risks. In many cases, instead of merely selecting the most conservative and
protective option, Costco will work with Kleinfelder to understand their risks and
will, in many cases, make an educated choice to select a less conservative option and
accept a certain amount of risk.
PROJECT RESULTS
Kleinfelder has worked with Costco for nearly 25 years, successfully completing more
than 1,300 projects. In addition to working at client locations throughout the U.S.,
Kleinfelder is helping Costco with its international expansion. By developing and
maintaining a relationship of mutual respect, Kleinfelder has proactively helped Costco
manage potential risks associated with their warehouses. Costco’s willingness to
address and accept risks appropriately allows Kleinfelder to develop and implement
more creative, long-term solutions. This enables Costco to continuously provide its
members a positive shopping experience in a safe environment with unmatched value.
Kleinfelder is an employee-owned architecture, engineering, and science consulting firm
providing solutions to meet our world’s complex infrastructure and natural resource
challenges. Working as a team, our bright people will deliver the right solutions.
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