Designing a State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility for SMAC
SMAC Corporation, a global leader in moving coil technology and the world’s largest manufacturer of moving coil actuators, partnered with HED to design a new build-to-suit manufacturing facility in Carlsbad, California. Located within the Carlsbad Research Center Business Park, the facility was envisioned as a reflection of SMAC’s pioneering culture and commitment to technical innovation.
The exterior design emphasizes texture, depth, and precision, qualities aligned with SMAC’s own legacy of engineering excellence. Sandblasted concrete panels form the building’s base, paired with form liner accent walls and an open metal canopy at the entry for a streamlined, contemporary presence. Multiple gradients of blasted concrete, exposed aggregate, and varied panel depths are combined across the façade, creating a sophisticated interplay of light and shadow. This variety of treatments transforms a utilitarian building type into an expressive, urban-inspired structure that reinforces the company’s identity.
Beyond aesthetics, the facility was designed for flexibility, efficiency, and future growth. As a build-to-suit project, the layout was tailored to SMAC’s unique production processes, ensuring seamless integration of manufacturing, research, and administrative functions. The plan supports operational flow while maintaining the adaptability needed to accommodate new technologies and product development.
The building also reflects SMAC’s culture of innovation. The entry canopy and polished façade present a professional, forward-looking face to visitors, while the carefully detailed concrete panels signal durability and technical sophistication. By investing in design quality, SMAC created a facility that not only supports its production needs but also embodies the company’s role as a global leader in precision manufacturing.
Completed in 2021 at a construction cost of $6.5 million, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate industrial architecture. HED’s approach transformed a manufacturing facility into a landmark for SMAC’s Carlsbad campus. One that communicates innovation, efficiency, and pride of place to employees, clients, and the broader community.
