Project Delivery System for Foreign Manufacturers in the United States

Abstract

Foreign auto manufacturers and suppliers produce cars and parts in the United States not only in order to support the high demands of the U.S. market, but also to expand their market share in the largest market in the world. To produce their products, one of the first steps is to build a manufacturing plant while taking into account all the necessary rules and regulations and the different construction environment. Foreign auto manufacturers and suppliers therefore not only need to be familiar with the use of U.S. project delivery systems for the construction of new manufacturing plants and the expansion of existing manufacturing plants in the United States, but also to control potential additional risks associated with their construction caused by various factors such as cultural differences, changed laws, and regulations. This study applied a case study approach to demonstrate and compare the project delivery systems implemented for the construction of five automotive manufacturing plants in the Southeastern United States. The results of this study highlight the common practices and differences that exist with regard to project delivery systems. The conclusions derived from this case study can assist foreign manufacturers in the construction of new manufacturing plants and the expansion of existing plants in the United States, and will also provide valuable insights and considerations for U.S. construction participants who wish to work with foreign manufacturers.