Constructing new automotive production facilities in a mature brownfield site

Manufacturing industries periodically adapt, refurbish or upgrade their production facilities to produce new products or new models, introduce new technology or accommodate new business strategies. Intensive and lengthy market, environmental and internal analysis, reengineering and adaptation precede the need for new facilities. This process is dynamic and thus project management, design and construction of new facilities, while under way, may be subject to frequent and considerable change, which must be accommodated within the project parameters of budget, time and quality. Research was conducted on project management issues affecting the provision of new production facilities in a mature brownfield site in the motor industry. This industry was selected for the study, inter alia, because it frequently introduces major and minor changes to its production lines and operates in a complex, competitive and high-technology environment. The research included a literature survey and empirical data obtained from motor vehicle and component manufacturers and service providers. This paper presents those literature and empirical surveys and findings dealing with the effects on the contractors who construct the new facilities, includes a survey among contractors who undertake such work, concludes that particular demands are made on contractors and suggests guidelines for clients and project managers.