Design-build construction firm Ramtech Building Systems has initiated the process of installing the nine modular sections that make up a 7,168-sq.-ft. expansion of the passenger terminal at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City Beach.

The permanent modular building will be connected to the existing terminal with a site-built corridor and will provide two additional gates that will be completed during the summer.

Ramtech is working as a subcontractor to Allstate Construction of Tallahassee, Fla., the general contractor on the project. The company is responsible for core and shell manufacturing of the Type II-b all steel modular sections, the installation of the building, and the finish-out of the exterior.

Using permanent modular construction, the modular sections will include the exterior walls with 24-gauge steel high-rib R-Panel siding, all door and window assemblies, interior walls with un-finished gypsum board and required shear walls, perimeter steel frame floor, and the EPDM roof assembly.

In addition, Ramtech will also provide for the exterior wall and floor penetrations that are required for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. The nine modular sections, manufactured in three sizes for the building configuration, will be installed and welded to a poured-in-place concrete pier foundation system.

The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, located 18 miles northwest of Panama City, opened for commercial flights in May 2010. The airport, located in Bay County on 4,000 acres, is owned by the Panama City-Bay County Airport & Industrial District. The expansion of the terminal is part of a $10.5 million grant from the FAA to improve and expand their facilities.

The airport’s 105,000 sq. ft. terminal currently has five gates with jet bridges, and two gates with ramp level access for regional aircraft. The new modular building will incorporate gates 6 and 7 to increase passenger capacity while adding additional seating space.