Written for ENR Southeast.
2025 Texas & Southeast Best Projects
Award of Merit, Manufacturing: Hyundai Savannah Mobis PE Plant
Hyundai Savannah Mobis PE Plant
Award of Merit
Submitted by New South Construction Co.
Owner Hyundai Engineering North America
Lead Design Firm Archiplan Design Group
GC/CM New South Construction Co.
Under heavy supervision from more than 80 top executives at Hyundai, the project team delivered two manufacturing facilities that will produce drive systems for Hyundai’s EV cars built in Georgia and Alabama. The team faced cultural differences and language barriers working with a South Korea-based company. Hyundai placed an emphasis on hierarchy, with many decisions made in Korea and then communicated to onsite staff.
Hyundai placed an emphasis on completing the project ahead of schedule with an emphasis on high standards. To meet expectations, the team carried out some tasks in atypical sequence. For example, crews poured concrete slabs after steel was erected, the roof was complete and the wall panels were 90% complete.
For slab on grade construction, the team used a steel reinforced fiber mix, Armor Edge joints and a colored shake-on hardener. The steel reinforced fiber mix reduced the amount of rebar needed for slab installation. By incorporating the fiber mix, the team was able to expedite schedule, reducing the time spent on rebar installation and inspections. Armor Edges increased the durability and longevity of the joints. A colored hardener on the slab increased the concrete’s tensile strength and reduced dust accumulation.
The fast-tracked project ended below budget with 90% of work completed in just nine months. Early completion allowed the plant to begin preliminary manufacturing three months ahead of schedule.