In the world of construction, few events are as special and meaningful as a beam topping ceremony. It’s a moment when the vision of a new project starts to take shape, and the dreams of those involved become more tangible. On Tuesday, August 29th, 2023, Väderstad North America celebrated one such momentous occasion at the site of their new North America Headquarters in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Local employees gathered to mark this significant milestone in the company’s journey.

Leaving a Mark

The event welcomed attendees with cookies and refreshments. A few heartfelt words were spoken, outlining the special significance of the occasion and encouraging all to take pride in their contribution to this endeavor. But what truly made this ceremony extraordinary was the act of inviting each employee to leave their mark on the project’s future. Sharpies were distributed and employees were given the opportunity to sign their names or leave a note on a beam that would forever become a part of the building’s structure. The beam, painted in the striking Väderstad red, will be a prominent feature in the architectural design of the new headquarters.

The Big Picture: Why This Project Matters

This project symbolizes much more than just construction; it represents the embodiment of Väderstad’s vision to “Simplify work and improve the result for the farmer.” Sticking true to their roots, their legacy of innovation has taken them far. In May of 2021, Väderstad fully acquired the AAJV company in Wahpeton, ND, including the product lines Wil-Rich, Wishek, and Concord, gaining an existing 325,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, parts warehouse, and research and development facility to help them expand their footprint in the seeding, tillage, and planting industry. And now they are adding to the complex with this new, almost 44,000 sq. ft. headquarters building constructed next door.

Local Collaboration and Commitment

This ambitious project is a collaborative effort with locally-owned companies: Foss Architecture and Interiors, based in Fargo, ND, and Comstock Construction, headquartered in Wahpeton, ND. The partnership reflects a commitment to the local community and its economic growth.

Kevin Koppang, General Manager of Comstock Construction, reflects on the collaborative effort, saying, “Working with Jason Strobbe of Vaderstad and Wade Erickson of Foss Architecture + Interiors, and having Travis’ expertise out in the field has culminated in real success. Their vision, dedication, and commitment make this such a fun project to be involved with. And from a community aspect, for a family business from Sweden to invest in a project of this size halfway around the world, it’s amazing. The impact it will have on the community of Wahpeton can’t be understated. This project is such a great win for Väderstad and Wahpeton. I’m honored to have a role in it.”

Progress on the Horizon

Groundbreaking for the new Väderstad North America headquarters took place in September 2022, followed shortly after by concrete pouring in October of the same year. However, construction faced challenges due to structural steel supply chain issues, causing a temporary delay. It wasn’t until May 2023 that construction resumed in full force, leading up to the beam topping ceremony we celebrate today.

At this moment, Travis Owens is leading crews as they pour 1,025 cu. yds. of interior concrete for the building. They’ve already set 25,000 sq. ft. of precast concrete wall panels and placed 205 tons of structural steel. This effort has brought the project to a remarkable 35% completion rate, and it remains on schedule for a grand completion in July 2024.

Väderstad North America’s new headquarters represents not just a building but a symbol of dedication, growth, and the bright future of farming. As we continue to witness its progress, we eagerly anticipate the day when this remarkable structure stands tall, a testament to the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Väderstad and its impact on the Wahpeton community.

Comstock Construction is a family-owned and operated commercial construction company, building our local communities since 1924. We offer an end-to-end solution from site prep to site building to site maintenance.