During the first few years of operation, more than half of the company’s revenue was related to the manufacturing industry. Specifically, within the automotive tier sector working for companies such as, American Axel, Detroit Chassis and Detroit Diesel to name a few. As the Motor City expanded throughout various regions, CCI’s manufacturing portfolio continued to increase as well.
“In the early years of CCI’s development, we were able to establish critical relationships that were monumental to our growth and strategic vision,” explains Robert L. Garcia, Founder and Executive Chair. As we plan ahead for the future, it’s imperative to remember how significant the manufacturing sector is for our business and how these projects have shaped us into who we are today.”
CCI Industrial Constructors has earned long-standing relationships for some of the largest manufacturers in Michigan and throughout the nation. Our team has executed projects in 11 different states as well as Mexico, allowing our clients to work with one firm as a single-source solution.
Our experience ranges from civil infrastructure upgrades and concrete foundations to equipment installation projects. Backed by a team of industry leaders, a fleet of company-owned equipment and a network of suppliers, our clients gain the benefit of a responsive and reliable contractor.
The 2000’s marked a significant decade of growth with 100’s of projects being executed throughout Michigan, Lima, Ohio, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Arlington, Texas and Louisville, Kentucky. The projects supported Ford, GM and Stellantis (Previously Chrylser & FCA) with new tooling upgrades and re-tooling throughout assembly, powertrain, bodyshop and paint shops.
“As the manufacturing industries have expanded throughout Michigan, so has CCI’s capabilities. Starting out as a Millwright company, we specialized in machinery and tooling installation. Today, our capabilities comprise of diversified construction delivery including – general contracting, construction management and design-assist. In addition, our self-perform services have expanded from equipment installation into civil & site preparation, concrete foundations, and structural steel erection/repairs., said Phillip M. Garcia, Principal.”
As new partnerships were developed and our brand reputation expanded, opportunities in different industries were presented. Our teams continue to execute critical projects for our clients helping them achieve their operational goals and keep them moving forward. Learn more about our case studies below and see how we’ve earned our spot as an industry leader.
CCI has worked with several clients providing millwright and rigging services for new advanced dynamometer systems. Project sites included GM Milford, GM Warren and Ford Dearborn. The new programs supported upgrades in state-of-the-art testing capabilities and a new high torque battery electric vehicle test room.
The scope of work included the installation of sub-framing isolation assemblies, bedplates, dynamometer equipment, conditioning systems, cooling blowers, switch gears/drive cabinets and transformers. In order to install the machinery, specialty rigging and equipment was required due to the site constraints. With company-owned equipment and industry experts, our team was able to accomplish the installations adhering to the critical tolerances and working around the site conditions.
During the construction of a new Safety Test Inspection Lab (STIL) and Facility Crash Inspection Lab (FCIL) in Superior Township, Michigan, CCI’s installation team was brought in as the equipment installers. The crash test system encompasses the integration and compliance with the stringent requirements of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The system consisted of over 700’ of rail, a camera pit, strong floor, light rails and various testing components. The scope of the project encompasses the precision installation and leveling of the rail, installation of all pit steel, camera framing, above ground movable impact barrier and precision alignment of the system components. The successful installation of this critical equipment highlights our commitment to quality excellence, ensuring our client and the owner received a well-executed installation.
With specialty precision instruments, equipment, and millwright/rigging specialists, we offered our client a turnkey mechanical solution and technical expertise. Our crew adapted to daily issues and delivered the project ahead of schedule, allowing other subcontractors and plant operations to fully optimize startup and commissioning activities.
Our industrial maintenance team has supported several shutdowns and outages for Cleveland Cliffs (Previously Severstal & AK Steel) over the years. The majority of the work performed took place at Dearborn Works in the Hot-Dipped Galvanizing Line (HDGL) and Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) sections of the plant.
CCI was awarded multiple scope packages on the HDGL, which included removal and replacement of furnace rolls, inspection, removal and replacement of bearings, replacement of down chute baffles, replacement of heat shields and fluid refill.
In addition, our team was awarded the Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) conveyor repairs and upgrades. The scope included removal and replacement of the drive motor, inspection, removal and replacement of bearings, removal and replacement of rollers and structural steel weld repairs. With specialty equipment, tools, and conveyor specialists, we offered our client a turnkey solution and responsive services.
Precision leveling and alignments were a critical component for the projects. CCI’s precision millwrights performed the leveling and aligning with our specialty precision instruments along with our senior millwright leadership.
The outages were all completed on schedule allowing plant operations to resume production as planned. In addition, all crew members performed the work without any near misses, incidents, or rework.
CCI has a successful work history completing new installations and re-tooling projects at several bodyshops, powertrain facilities and paint shops throughout the nation. Over the last five years, our teams have worked at the Saginaw Metal Castings Operations, Kentucky Truck Plant, Louisville Assembly Plant, Grand Blac Center and Flatrock Assembly Plant. Our teams provided self-perform rigging & installation and general contracting for equipment integrators and PDPM contractors.
Scope of work consisted of removing obsolete tooling, installing new kitted tools & automation and relocating existing machinery throughout the plants. Due to the critical timing, the projects were typically completed during shutdowns working around the clock to optimize productivity and eliminate any potential delays with the launches. Throughout the shutdowns, approximately 100 direct employees and subcontractors completed the work with zero near misses or incidents.
In addition, the project teams were able to complete the upgrades ahead of schedule, providing our client with more time to complete debug and commissioning. Based on a successful work history and quality service, CCI has maintained a long-term relationships with our client for over 20 years.
“Our commitment to solving complex challenges demonstrates our ability to deliver results that earn the trust and confidence of our clients.”
Principal
As we continue to support the manufacturing sector, we have reinvested in our people, infrastructure, and company-owned equipment to enhance our position as a preferred partner. Most recently in 2023, we added a 75-ton mobilift, (2) new forklifts & (1) new trailer for our rigging fleet. In addition, (1) new excavator, (1) new skid steer and (1) new loader for our civil fleet. This specialty machinery has been instrumental in supporting our clients’ needs for responsive services and cost-effective solutions.
“It’s extremely rewarding to be a part of so many programs and expansions across Michigan and nationwide. The long-term relationships we’re building are a testament to our core values, which demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-performing services for our clients,” said Gary Garcia, Principal and Director of Rigging Operations.
CCI is continuing to support and build new partnerships with OEM’s and tier 1-3 manufacturers. With new opportunities developing within the stamping, general assembly, machining and re-tooling sectors, our teams are continuing to collaborate and offer responsive solutions for complex projects.
With ongoing projects in multiple regions and a rich history of overcoming challenges together, we continue to drive operational performance for our clients. As we expand into new markets, we remain true to our brand mission of delivering excellence on every project for our clients and our people.
