Chrysler began producing automobiles at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (WTAP) in 1938. This 3,300,000-square-foot facility sits on over 86 acres and produces the Dodge Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota. In 2005, Chrysler made the decision to upgrade and expand Warren Truck’s body shop and they turned to CCC to help them oversee the job. As construction manager for this project, CCC was responsible for managing the daily activities of all the vendors on-site performing work. Adding to the difficulty of this project was the fact that the plant would not be shut down for construction; all tasks had to be completed in a live, working environment.

On-going construction in a live plant meant that safety was of the utmost importance to Chrysler. CCC’s people-based safety program was exactly what was needed in this situation. By going a step beyond the traditional behavior-based safety systems, CCC was able to ensure that all workers on the job site had a vested interest in not just their own safety, but the safety of all people working in and around the construction site. In addition to safety and security responsibilities, CCC was responsible for managing project scheduling, bid packages, construction trade meetings, contract administration and punch-list follow-up, among other tasks.

This was a true turn-key and complete effort from Commercial Contracting Corporation. This project was presented and accepted by FCA as an Integrated Project Delivery meaning that CCC was responsible for the design, bid packages, and project execution including self-perform concrete, steel fabrication and erection, interiors work, as well as designing and installing the conveyance systems of both lines. Our Cert Line design of a belt conveyor with a shallow pit is now considered the benchmark for FCA going forward.