Barton Malow first established itself in the industry as a general contractor in 1924. Since then, we’ve adapted to our clients’ expectations and transformed the way we do business—including our work in concrete, a cornerstone of our construction expertise.
We offer a wide range of civil and concrete services and focus on getting the job done safely and cost-effectively, something that hasn’t changed in our 100 years. Our mobile fleet of heavy equipment can quickly move across the country to pour over a million cubic yards of concrete in Texas or break rock in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The Evolution of Concrete Work
When Barton Malow was founded in 1924, concrete was a relatively straightforward material used primarily for basic structures and foundations. Fast forward to today, and concrete technology has become a sophisticated field, integrating advanced tools and techniques to enhance performance, safety, and efficiency.
In the early years, our concrete projects utilized traditional methods where formwork systems were manual and labor-intensive, requiring significant time and manpower. As technology advanced, so did we.
New advancements, such as laser-guided screeds, line dragons, automated formwork systems, and stripping robots, have revolutionized our concrete processes, allowing for precision and efficiency that were previously unattainable. These advancements reduce manual labor, streamline operations, and mitigate safety risks.
One notable shift has been in our project scale and complexity. Large-scale projects such as battery cell manufacturing facilities showcase our ability to tackle programs that demand innovative concrete solutions. Unlike the smaller-scale projects of the past, today’s projects require advanced planning and execution strategies. When building vertically, like on Hudson’s Detroit, extensive planning is especially needed; there is no room for error—literally.
The integration of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) tools and sophisticated planning techniques has become crucial. We’ve evolved from relying solely on traditional drawings to leveraging detailed 3D digital models that streamline processes and improve accuracy.
The “MegaSlab” placement at General Motors’ Arlington, Texas, plant in 2019 as part of the M5 Productivity Improvement Program exemplifies our commitment to innovation in concrete. Consisting of 6,470 cubic yards across 256,100 SF over 32.5 consecutive hours, it still stands as the largest continuous steel fiber pour ever done. By pouring the concrete slab in one go, we minimized delays and coordinated subcontractor activities more efficiently, demonstrating how strategic planning can significantly impact project timelines and outcomes.
Barton Malow has not only adapted to advancements in concrete but also navigated industry challenges such as cement shortages and supply chain disruptions. Because of the strong relationships we have built with suppliers and industry partners, these challenges have caused minimal disruptions to project schedules, maintaining client expectations.
We continuously challenge ourselves and our partners to explore new materials, techniques, and technologies. Our rigorous preconstruction testing and mockups ensure that we deliver on our promises and maintain our standards.
Our extensive experience in concrete has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the Tennessee Concrete Association recognized Barton Malow for our work on the Ultium Cells battery cell manufacturing plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, with three awards: Sustainable Concrete, Best Finishing, and the Grand Champion Award.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward into the next 100 years, Barton Malow remains committed to embracing change and innovation, no matter how long we have considered something a standard practice. Our history in concrete is a testament to our adaptability, innovation, and commitment to excellence, and we look forward to continuing to build our legacy, one concrete project at a time.
