United Distributors

Client Objective

United Distributors is the largest alcoholic beverage wholesaler in Georgia and Alabama with the goal to be the most successful corporation in the beverage industry by commitment to shareholders, suppliers, customers, associates, and their community. It was started by the Hertz and Kugelman families in the 1940s under the name Fulton Distributors Company in Atlanta, GA. Over the years, it expanded and was eventually named United Distributors. The Hertz family has managed it for over four generations.

The facility is around 68,000 SF, which includes offices, meeting rooms, and training areas. It consists of a 24,000 SF keg cooler, a 20,000 SF point of sale area, and a 13,500 SF training space.

NTI Solutions

NTI provided technology planning and design services for the facility's infrastructure and the systems that rely upon it. We began with space planning. We then planned and designed the infrastructure, including the drawings for cabling systems, data, voice, security, audio visual, and wireless networks.

Facility Technology Design – NTI designed and produced drawings and specifications for the facility's technology infrastructure by coordinating with the architect and the ownership group. The drawings detail all cabling, technology equipment rooms, power and HVAC requirements, cabling pathways, and other ITS elements. Using a globally recognized standards-based approach per TIA/EIA, ANSI, and BICSI guidelines, the completed ITS serves as the information highway for all data, security, TV, AV, and wireless systems.

Security – NTI designed the CCTV and Card access systems within the scope area. The CCTV system design includes specifications and elevations for security cameras, monitors, and DVR units (digital recorders).

Audio Visual Services – Designed a dynamic background music system that adhered to the owner's requirements. The system supports four audio sources that can be distributed. Video systems include flat panels and projectors. We enhanced the audio system within the large training area with microphone and line-level inputs and enhanced speakers to maximize vocal clarity and multi-media playback. There are additional audio channels that can support assisted listening devices and other audio needs. Volume controls and source selectors are accessible to staff without having to go to a central closet to make changes.

Construction Administration – During the construction phase, NTI personnel responded to inquiries from the contractors about the technology systems' build-out. We also visited the site to observe the contractor's progress, workmanship, and adherence to NTI drawings and specifications.

From concept through implementation, we worked closely with the architect and ownership teams to ensure that United Distributor's facilities were configured to address tomorrow's technology challenges.