Changing the World, Literally: First Mode Clean Technology Manufacturing Facility, Seattle, WA

First Mode, a winner of Fast Company’s 2023 “World Changing Ideas” Awards, envisioned a cutting-edge factory spanning 40,000 square feet and equipped with the latest advancements in smart manufacturing technology. To transform the vision into reality in the heart of Seattle’s SoDo district, they were challenged to convert a former furniture store/warehouse into a state-of-the-art clean energy facility. To make this happen, they brought in the expertise of a seasoned team of construction professionals. Together, First Mode, UMC, and the rest of the project team collaborated, planned, and executed First Mode’s vision to create a world-class facility.

UMC’s mechanical design and installation were essential to creating a facility where First Mode will produce low- and zero-emissions retrofit products tailored for their customers in mining and rail haulage. Key components of the project include a sophisticated HVAC and process piping system, designed to support strategic product implementation and serial production processes. Executed using a phased implementation approach, this system installed by UMC ensures seamless adaptation to evolving manufacturing needs. It also encompasses a wide array of critical components, including a deionized (DI) water system that produces high-purity water onsite necessary for their operations, air systems, heat exchangers, pumping systems, and compressed air systems, among others.

UMC’s work also helped this state-of-the-art facility to boast a different way of thinking about manufacturing spaces. Because it is software-defined rather than hard points constrained, almost nothing is bolted to the factory floor. This ensures the floor plan can change based on production requirements or increases in customer demand. With fully digitized tools and components, the factory’s “smart manufacturing” processes help First Mode realize maximum speed to market new product ideas and efficient data management. The systems installed by UMC can be expanded upon, creating a seamless adaptation to evolving manufacturing needs.

Through collaboration and innovation, the project team completed the project ahead of schedule and under budget. They helped First Mode create a facility poised to drive positive change through vehicle retrofits that enable diesel hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell systems, helping heavy industry on its Path to Zero™ emissions. Now, these are world-changing ideas!