IMP Facade Defines the Design of a Ground-up Manufacturing Facility

by hanna_kowal | March 22, 2026 10:57 am

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A ground-up manufacturing building design in Sherman, Texas, uses insulated metal panels (IMPs) for an optimized facade. The global semiconductor market continues to expand, and global efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains have accelerated the development of new manufacturing capacity in the United States.

The new GlobalWafers America[2] production facility is the first silicon wafer manufacturing facility built from the ground up in the U.S. in over 20 years, and one of the largest of its kind.

The architectural design of the facility, led by Page Southerland Page, required a building envelope solution that would meet the rigorous energy demands of semiconductor manufacturing while reflecting the modern, high-tech nature of the facility.

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IMPs were selected for their strong thermal performance and aesthetic versatility. The project features 24,306.7 m² (261,635 sf) of flat IMPs, alongside 724 m² (7,793 sf) IMPs with a micro rib. Each panel provides exceptional thermal efficiency, with high R-values up to 8.0 per inch and a continuous insulation (c.i.) core. These panels also help seal the building’s envelope with a single system; unlike traditional multi-layer wall systems that require multiple materials to provide thermal, air, water, and vapor barriers, IMPs integrate all these functions into a single system.

The panels’ design flexibility enabled a striking facade that enhances the facility’s sleek, modern appearance, while the variety of colors—Weathered Zinc, Ascot White, Pewter, Bright Silver, and Indigo Blue—complement GlobalWafers’ architectural vision and brand identity. Subtle variations in color and texture highlight the entryway, where a highly reflective blue sheen pays homage to the CD-like wafers produced inside.

The use of IMPs also accelerated the construction timeline, with the panels’ single-component system significantly reducing installation time for installer Auzmet compared to traditional multi-component wall systems. This allowed the project to be enclosed quickly, minimizing delays and enabling interior work to begin sooner. For facilities like this, the faster the construction is completed, the sooner they can start operations and generate revenue.

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Further, IMPs’ durability ensures the facility will remain low-maintenance and high-performing for decades, making them an ideal choice for this large-scale project in Texas’s extreme climate.

This facility, completed in May 2025, will create more than 1,500 jobs and stimulate the local economy, contributing to Sherman’s growth as a key industrial hub. The integration of IMPs in the construction process will help to strengthen the supply chain, shape the region’s future, and fuel innovation for years to come.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/news/daily-news/ground-up-manufacturing/

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