Challenge
Schwan’s Company, a leader in the frozen food industry, opened a new facility in Salina, KS, and faced the challenge of transforming it into a branded environment. The objective was to balance the company’s rich history with its forward-thinking vision while creating a compelling first impression for employees, visitors, and community stakeholders. Schwan’s Company wanted to emphasize their company story, showcase their brand and product innovation, and inspire employees with an environment they’d feel proud to work in.
The challenge was to create a space that reflected their corporate identity, blended seamlessly with the facility’s function, and supported recruitment, retention, and client engagement goals.
Vision
Schwan’s Company envisioned a cohesive branding strategy that integrated their legacy with their future. Their goals included:
- Branding the visitor entrance to highlight Schwan’s Company’s global impact and heritage.
- Creating a history wall that celebrates the Schwan’s Company story and values.
- Designing workspaces and employee entrances to inspire and inform teams daily.
- Enhancing the facility with exhibits showcasing their product packaging, fresh ingredients, and operational scale suitable for tours for key customers and prospective employees alike.
Schwan’s Company aimed to create a functional yet visually compelling environment that would resonate with everyone who visited or worked in the facility.
STAR Solution
STAR collaborated with Schwan’s Company to provide a comprehensive solution, including strategic planning, design, engineering, and installation. The project involved:
- Branded Visitor Entrance: Designed to emphasize the Schwan’s Company global scale, promote their heritage, and showcase their product innovation.
- History Wall: A visual timeline of Schwan’s Company milestones, blending storytelling with impactful design.
- Employee Entrance and Workspaces: Branded areas to foster employee pride and morale, showcasing Schwan’s Company values and achievements.
- Multi-Purpose Tour Pathway: Enhanced visitor tour areas, including the pizza production line, with engaging visuals and brand elements.
STAR’s team worked closely with Schwan’s Company through site visits and archival research to ensure every design aligned with the client’s vision. By blending utility with brand storytelling, STAR delivered a space that was practical, inspiring, and aligned with business-critical goals.
Impact
The environmental branding project was a resounding success, earning praise from Schwan’s Company leadership and employees alike. Key outcomes include:
- Employee Morale: The updated environment significantly boosted pride among employees, creating a space they were excited to work in daily.
- Client and Community Engagement: The branded elements will play a vital role in future tours for clients, prospective employees, and community leaders.
- Sustainability and Retention: The inspiring workplace design supports employee retention and recruitment goals, helping Schwan’s Company attract top talent.
Conclusion
Schwan’s Company’s partnership with STAR brought their vision to life, creating a branded environment that blends legacy and innovation. The project highlights STAR’s expertise in strategic design, storytelling, and execution, ensuring a lasting impact for Schwan’s Company employees, visitors, and stakeholders.
