Taco, Cranston, RI, marked an important milestone in the construction of its new Innovation & Development Center, the centerpiece of its $18 million expansion project, with a beam raising and topping off ceremony in September.

Company President/CEO John Hazen White, Jr. was joined by family members, Taco employees, and the crew of Ajax Construction, Harrisville, RI. The Innovation & Development Center's structural steel frame was completed and the final “topping off” beam, which was signed by all of Taco's employees, was fastened into place.

The Taco Innovation & Development Center will be a 24,037 sq.ft. addition to the current building. The state-of-the-art learning and training facility will feature classroom spaces, conference rooms, a business center, and functional labs for testing and teaching. In addition, Taco's existing building will undergo extensive renovation to advance the comfort, functionality and productivity of its reception area, employee cafeteria and office areas.

All renovations will include new energy efficient lighting, natural light, and the very best in indoor comfort. The Center will use, display, and provide a hands-on learning environment for some of the best equipment and systems that today's HVAC industry offers, for comfort, efficiency and sustainability. A "Living Laboratories" will allow for close-up product viewing, hands-on learning, and teaching.

The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) project is scheduled to be completed in fall, 2012. taco.com