ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The "performance" part of the P3I initiative isn't just about people performing better.

A better, more efficient building in which to work can play a big role in meeting the goal of improved performance.

One example is the 402nd Commodities Maintenance Group's new Aircraft Component Repair Facility in Bldg. 189. The building consolidates work previously done in four other buildings across the base.

Herman Raiff, director of the 402nd CMXG, said after a ribbon-cutting for the building last week, the facility will definitely improve performance. Among other things, it will eliminate 4,000 miles traveled per year moving items to and from the buildings it replaced. It will also have a far more efficient work flow in the building since engineers, managers and mechanics were closely involved in creating the floor design.

In fact, the new building afforded the unit the rare opportunity of setting up a work area with an open footprint, and they took full advantage of it, said Raiff.

"When you are looking at efficiency and effectiveness; it is not only the skill level of people but the layout and the sequence in how we move things," said Raiff. "The new facility enables us to reduce flow days and wasted time."

Improved lighting and air conditioning will also impact performance. Paul Irby, an aircraft sheet metal mechanic, said the building where he previously worked had poor lighting and at one point temperatures exceeded 100 degrees.

He said he is now happy to be working in a climate-controlled, well-lighted facility.

"When it's over 100 degrees, it just saps your energy," he said. "You don't want to be there, much less work. It's just amazing how much better it is."

The 61,000 square foot building cost $14.9 million and was certified for occupancy in January. It is already in use.

Gen. Lee Levy, commander of the 402nd Maintenance Wing, said the building is supporting C-130, C-5 and F-15 aircraft, while also realizing significant energy savings.

"This is one more step as we support the warfighter with products on time and on cost," he said. Levy noted one of two 68-year-old buildings being replaced was originally a World War II hangar which housed the A-20 Havoc.

"I bet when they built that building they didn't think we'd be working in it all the way up until 2010," he said.