#USA #Ford #Walbridge #Rudolph Libbe #Ohio Assembly

Honors for Exceptional Construction

The Rudolph Libbe Group has recently made headlines by securing not just one, but two vital awards for their impressive work on the Ford Ohio Assembly Plant expansion. This facility, which spans a massive 2.7 million square feet, is poised to boost Ford's production capabilities significantly, especially as they look to expand their line of electric vehicles.

Award Recognition

On November 14 and 18, representatives from the Rudolph Libbe Group accepted these esteemed awards during celebrations in Columbus and Chicago. The Build Ohio Award, presented by the Ohio Association of General Contractors, recognized them in the Industrial/Heavy category. Moreover, the Engineering News-Record awarded them the title of Best Manufacturing Construction Project in the Midwest for 2025. Clearly, their dedication to excellence is being widely recognized across the industry.

Project Overview

The highlights of the project are nothing short of remarkable. Collaborating with 57 trade partners and utilizing over 2,100 employees, the team clocked in a total of 1.7 million man-hours on-site. President of Rudolph Libbe Inc., Jeff Schaller, emphasized that the achievement was a testament to the teamwork and collaboration that drove the project forward. Not only did the project meet its budgetary and timeline goals, but it also showcased an extraordinary safety performance that exceeded industry standards by 50%.

Innovative Engineering

Initially conceptualized as two separate structures, the design evolved into a single cohesive building connected to the existing plant’s paint shop by conveyor bridges. This innovative approach allowed for the effective integration of systems and operations while streamlining workflows. The project involved significant site improvements across 246 acres within three municipalities in Northern Ohio.

Outfitting the new structure required new power sources, which were cleverly obtained from the existing plant’s substation. A nearly one-mile-long trestle was built to carry power seamlessly into the new expansion, demonstrating advanced planning and coordination.

Self-Performance and Efficiency

An impressive aspect of the project was Rudolph Libbe Group’s ability to self-perform a wide array of major trades, including concrete work, structural steel erection, HVAC installation, and various electrical tasks. This self-performing model allowed them to maintain flexibility, uphold quality and safety standards, and adapt the project schedule without disturbing Ford’s operations. Their sister company, GEM Inc., even prefabricated 375 piping racks, showcasing their commitment to innovative methods that build efficiency and safety into their operations.

Customer-Centric Approach

Rudolph Libbe Group prides itself on a customer-first approach. To amplify their resources during this project, they also leveraged Rudolph Libbe Properties to uncover more than $15 million in savings for Ford, optimizing the investment further. By incorporating subject-matter experts from the onset of design and throughout construction, the team successfully implemented value engineering modifications worth over $60 million, ensuring that both quality and project scope remained uncompromised.

Conclusion

With a legacy spanning over 70 years and a strong record of client retention, the Rudolph Libbe Group continues to lead by example within the construction industry. Their commitment to excellence, meticulous planning, and innovative practices demonstrate that they are well-equipped to handle large-scale projects like the Ohio Assembly Plant expansion. As the automotive industry shifts focus towards sustainability and electric vehicles, the Rudolph Libbe Group stands ready to support these endeavors and ensure successful outcomes for future construction projects.