Project profile: Henkels & McCoy headquarters emergency generator

In this project profile, engineering firm Henkels & McCoy added a back-up generator to power its facility during loss-of-utility events.

By Doug Psulkowski, PE, Henkels & McCoy March 25, 2014

Project name: Henkels & McCoy Headquarters Emergency Generator

Project type: Addition to existing building

Engineering Firm: Henkels & McCoy

Building type: Office building

Location: Blue Bell, PA, United States

Timeline: November 2012 – October 2013


Project goals

  • Provide a reliable, low-cost backup generator solution to power the Jolly Road facility during loss-of-utility events.
  • Provide H&M with additional revenue from PJM “Demand Response Program”. This includes being able to take H&M off-grid while the utility is still operating, using closed-transition switching.

Building details

There are two buildings on this property. One building contains 6,000 sq ft of automotive maintenance area, 14,000 sq ft of warehouse storage, and another 9,000 SF of office space. The other building contains about 46,000 sq ft of office space, plus a cafeteria and a large data center and copy center.

Project details

Engineering, Construction, and the Henkels & McCoy Maintenance Department designed and installed a 4kV, 750kW generator. Engineering and all concerned worked with vendors to provide the most cost effective approach to this purchase and implementation. The generator was fed directly into a G&W Automatic Transfer Control Switchgear, which replaced the existing 35 year old switch. Requirements for participation in Demand Response Programs were evaluated; it was determined to be less important than providing effective, economic backup power.

Project success

The project’s success was clearly demonstrated during the recent power outages in the area from an ice storm. When the area lost power, the entire Henkels & McCoy facility was able to stay powered up and respond with line crews and other personnel and equipment. In addition, the other employees could perform their work, reducing the amount of downtime and expenses related to sending employees home.


Henkels & McCoy, 985 Jolly Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422