Maintaining production at an active plant
Design and construction were planned around ongoing operations, where uptime was critical and disruptions to manufacturing could not occur.
Accelerating production capability under tight deadlines
Arconic needed to rapidly retrofit its Lafayette, Indiana facility to support new automotive part designs under a contract that allowed less than one year for completion. The challenge was delivering a new direct extrusion press and tube mill upgrade without disrupting the ongoing operations at an active manufacturing plant. With no room for schedule slip, Arconic partnered with CDM Smith to develop engineering designs and transition seamlessly into construction using a design-build delivery approach.
Transitioning from design into construction
Early construction management engagement created a single point of contact and seamless transition from design into construction.
Adapting schedules to equipment delays
When overseas equipment was delayed, the team advanced sub-packages and foundation work to maintain schedule and cost targets.
Prioritizing safety and coordination
Close subcontractor coordination supported safe, efficient work across extended shifts and site areas.
Operating on an aggressive timeline, the team relied on flexibility and close collaboration to meet all objectives. The shift to design-build allowed schedule adjustments when vendor delays occurred, keeping progress steady through parallel activities. “The site team did an outstanding job in managing the subcontractors to complete the work in a safe and efficient manner,” said Jack Wyman, Arconic’s project director. Ultimately, the project was delivered safely, on time and on budget. Leveraging our three decades of knowledge with Arconic, our collective project teams delivered an extremely safe and quality project on time and budget through collaborative teamwork of the two companies.