Automotive manufacturers are adapting existing plants to support evolving production needs, including energy storage and battery-related operations. Barton Malow examines these changes in a new episode of its Said Differently podcast, titled “Same Plant, New Purpose: Automotive’s Next Wave,” published Oct. 14, 2026.
Mario Garza, Barton Malow’s vice president of automotive and battery, discusses how automotive and battery programs are progressing across the United States. The episode considers how facilities originally designed for one manufacturing purpose can be modified to serve new production requirements as market conditions change.
Converting an existing industrial facility can require construction teams to accommodate new equipment and production processes while maintaining ongoing operations. The podcast examines the challenges of retrofitting plants that cannot shut down, along with the conversion of battery production lines for energy storage applications.
These projects require coordination among owners, designers and construction teams as project requirements evolve. Barton Malow also discusses the role of self-perform construction capabilities in responding to changing site conditions and adapting work as plans develop.
The episode also examines collaborative design-build partnerships and the role they can play in helping owners manage changes throughout project development and delivery.
Barton Malow highlights the importance of local relationships and regional expertise in delivering automotive projects across different U.S. markets. As manufacturers adjust facilities and production strategies, contractors must coordinate technical requirements, construction activities and operational constraints.
The episode is available through Barton Malow’s Said Differently podcast channels and the company’s website, which also features previous episodes.
Automotive plant conversions and battery-related facility upgrades create opportunities and challenges for industrial contractors. Projects involving operating facilities require careful planning, phased construction and coordination with manufacturing operations. For owners and construction teams, adaptable delivery strategies can help address changing production requirements while limiting disruption to existing operations.
Source: Barton Malow.
