Commissioning Shaped by Experience
Drawing on lessons learned from Ultium Cells facilities in Lordstown, Ohio, and Spring Hill, Tennessee, Gresham Smith brought a performance‑first commissioning strategy to Lansing. The team focused on mitigating known risks, strengthening performance across critical systems and supporting safe, efficient start-up and operation in a highly complex manufacturing environment. The team also fully commissioned the building enclosure systems with oversight by our Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) team, including roof and air barrier testing.
A Long-Term Commissioning Mindset
Working closely with the integrated project delivery team, Gresham Smith developed a detailed commissioning schedule aligned with key milestones across design, installation, start-up and turnover. Given the project’s scale, the building was segmented into large areas defined by the processes they contained. This structure created clarity amid overlapping construction activities and allowed the team to coordinate commissioning work in real time across multiple trades.
The construction phase, marked by simultaneous, fast-moving activities, required intense scrutiny and precise coordination. Commissioning activities were intentionally planned to overlap, moreover maximizing efficiency and minimizing schedule risk.
As areas reached completion and were turned over to the owner, Gresham Smith verified training for the facility’s engineering and maintenance teams, ensuring they were fully equipped to operate newly installed systems from day one.
Early Alignment Through a Comprehensive Commissioning Plan
Central to execution was the early adoption of a comprehensive commissioning plan issued at the outset of the project. The plan served as a roadmap for managing complexity, establishing standardized processes for stakeholders, and supporting consistent quality across teams. With so many parties contributing to delivery, weekly coordination meetings among Gresham Smith’s internal commissioning team, the client, the general contractor and trade subcontractors created a reliable forum to identify issues early, confirm responsibilities, and resolve challenges collaboratively.
Technology-Enabled Transparency and Accountability
To further strengthen visibility and follow-through, the team expanded the use of commissioning software beyond its typical scope. Checklists, procedural steps, and documentation were organized into a centralized hub accessible to stakeholders, providing contractors and the client with clearer insight into status, requirements and next steps. This customized workflow improved accountability, streamlined communication, and helped keep commissioning activities aligned with project goals.
A Foundation for Michigan’s EV Future
As the facility moves into full operation, its impact will extend far beyond the plant floor. The Lansing site strengthens Michigan’s position as a national leader in advanced mobility manufacturing, supports the growth of the regional EV supply chain and provides long-term economic stability through more than 1,700 high-quality jobs.