Warehouse forklift operator handling pallet racks filled with stacked boxes and packaged goods indoors

The Story - Kimal Lumber
A Turnkey Solution


Exterior view of a lumber drive-thru with designated enter and exit bays and stacks of wood inside.
Warehouse storage racks filled with plywood sheets and boxes in an organized industrial facility interior.
Forklift operator moving stacked materials in a large warehouse with orange metal shelving and wooden pallets.
Exterior view of a lumber drive-thru with designated enter and exit bays and stacks of wood inside.

Background Information

Southwest Florida - Kimal Lumber is one of the strongest independent lumber dealers in Southwest Florida. Since opening in 1981, partners and co-owners Kim Pavkovich and Al Bavry (hence the name KimAl) have always embraced modern technology and forward-thinking systems to help them and their customers save time and money.

When Al needed to build a multi-use facility for their new location in Sarasota, he turned to CT Darnell Construction and Senior Account Manager, Clint Darnell.

"The goal was to come up with something knock-out different from what our customers are used to." - Al Bavry, President and CEO, Kimal Lumber Company

Warehouse storage racks filled with plywood sheets and boxes in an organized industrial facility interior.

The Challenge

Kimal caters to custom, niche-builders and independent contractors whose projects often require high-end, premium lumber. Not only does the wood need to be carefully stored, it also needs to be presented in such a way that customers can easily see it and access it for quick loading and purchase. Kimal required a facility that was highly efficient, hard-working, and delivered an unparalleled customer experience.
Forklift operator moving stacked materials in a large warehouse with orange metal shelving and wooden pallets.

The Solution

A 25,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art drive-thru retail operation and an indoor full-service lumberyard designed by CT Darnell and equipped with its Sunbelt Rack systems. The centerpiece is an automated Power Bin lumber storage system.

With over 25 years of experience designing and constructing lumberyards, and the storage systems for building products, the solutions team at CT Darnell was able to quickly develop a comprehensive design that became the foundation for the final construction.

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Design Details

The new facility would embrace both form and function, incorporating an integrated system of Sunbelt Racks that logically aligned with Kimal's wide-ranging inventory. From cantilever racks for dimensional lumber to A-frame racks for moldings, every aspect of the new building was designed for maximum efficiency, safety, accessibility and visibility.

And there was one aspect of the design that proved to be a real game-changer for Kimal Lumber. By installing one of Sunbelt Rack's proprietary Power Bin automated racking systems, Kimal is now able to mechanize the formerly time-consuming, labor-intensive process of stocking lumber. According to Al Bavry, "It's as efficient and modern as I've ever seen."

Al Bavry, President and CEO of Kimal Lumber, speaking in a warehouse setting with shelves in the background

The Experience

CT Darnell completed the project on budget and on time, and the folks at Kimal couldn't be happier.
"We got a turnkey solution. CT Darnell was on top of it. They're a well-oiled machine." - Al Bavry, President and CEO, Kimal Lumber Company
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As a full-service design-build partner, CT Darnell Construction has a 40-year history supporting the LBM industry. We are the only company that specializes in LBM, with an unparalleled reputation in the category and we are licensed in all 50 states.

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CT Darnell's Capabilities

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Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings

We've improved over 4,500 facilities and built even more lumber storage solutions. Your own customized solution will help your operation from day one.
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Storage Solutions

Your unique storage facility will suit your site, your business, and your budget. That’s a win-win-win.
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Building Design

We’ll plan, design, and build your lumberyard facilities in a way that you can win operationally every day with minimal impact to your everyday business.
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General Contracting

Our vast experience offers you build options from supply and install to turnkey construction.

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