Case Studies

Cotton Gin Facility

J.S. Held Releases Insights on Risks & Opportunities Expected to Impact Organizations in 2025

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The Situation

A tornado severely damaged a large cotton gin facility in South Georgia, causing wind and debris impact damage to eight different structures. The large, steel-framed cotton gin building housed very expensive equipment and ended up collapsing and impacting the equipment inside. The event and loss of the cotton gin facility made the local news as it affected the local economy and resulted in the loss of jobs for people in the area. The collapse of the cotton gin building also caused damage by impact and displacement of some gin equipment, which was located on elevated support structures and was left supporting collapsed portions of the building.

How We Advised

J.S. Held’s Forensic Architecture & Engineering team quickly reported to the property to inspect the damaged structures, some of which were undergoing emergency repairs. Our team identified the damage and provided conceptual repair guidance for each structure. We also identified dangerous conditions with the instability of the collapsed cotton gin building. Workers operating inside and underneath large steel framing were in danger of further collapse. We informed the owner that an immediate building evacuation was prudent to prevent injuries or death. Following the structural engineering work, our Equipment Consulting team evaluated the gin equipment slated for a full replacement. We quickly identified the right experts, guided our client (an insurance carrier) through the repair/replacement process, and determined mitigation measures to protect undamaged equipment units and prevent further damage during repairs. Our collaborative efforts provided our client with clear directives that helped resolve the claim efficiently.

  • Our Forensic Architecture & Engineering team prevented injury or death by identifying dangerous conditions. We also identified and provided conceptual guidance on an improper structural repair that could have led to future structural instability or roof leaks.
  • Our Equipment Consulting team provided multiple mitigation measures to protect undamaged equipment during repairs, which saved our client money and the owner time and frustration. We also guided the client through the project repairs, including assistance with a repair cost analysis to ensure the repair contractors and replacement materials were proper in expense and quality.
  • Our client was extremely pleased with our team’s timeliness and thoroughness in reporting to the site quickly, finding the right experts, and delivering the news in a clear and direct format. The property owner trusted J.S. Held in helping to resolve the claim for the insurance carrier.

Key Contacts

Forensic Architecture & Engineering Practice:

Nathan Heinlein, PE, SE
Senior Engineer
+1 470 466 9876
[email protected]

Kelli Taylor, MS, PE
Senior Engineer
+1 615 235 1125
[email protected]


Equipment Consulting Practice:

George Alexander
Senior Vice President - Regional Lead
+1 972 980 5074
[email protected]

Raj Kulkarni
Vice President
+1 636 484 8845
[email protected]

Mike Smith
Assistant Vice President
+1 470 287 3974
[email protected]


Tim Tebbutt
Assistant Vice President
+1 854 345 2010
[email protected]

Related Practice Areas

> Structural Engineering
Our team is composed of civil and structural engineers who specialize in forensic investigations, repair scopes, code upgrade/compliance evaluations, and repair plans. We provide detailed forensic analysis of property and infrastructure damage by leveraging our understanding of the built environment and the impact of wind, water, fire, deterioration, construction defects, and outside forces.

> Equipment Consulting - Industrial
We provide high quality technical assistance in the evaluation of industrial equipment and systems. Our team has been called upon across the globe to deliver objective and independent analyses based on years of industry experience, technical expertise, and market knowledge.

> Equipment Damage & Failure Analysis
We investigate the cause of equipment and system failures at industrial and commercial facilities and determine the scope of damage caused by such failures or severe weather events. Our team has performed and managed multidisciplinary investigations into the cause and scope of damage of large and complex losses around the globe.

Our Experts