General Motors
The Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center stands as a groundbreaking research and development facility on General Motors’ historic Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan. Spanning more than 300,000 square feet across two stories, this state-of-the-art building was conceived to redefine the future of battery production and help the automaker advance its future in electric vehicles (EVs). Preconstruction and design began in December 2020, with construction commencing in March 2021 and reaching completion in October 2022.
Tasked with delivering a state-of-the-art battery plant that not only changes the future of battery production, but also incorporates the vision and innovation of its namesake, Bill Wallace, the client and Barton Malow team determined that utilizing an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach would offer the flexibility and collaboration needed to deliver this iconic building on campus. Named after Bill Wallace, a GM director who played a pivotal role in the development of the automaker’s advanced battery technology and trained many of its current battery leaders, the new facility was designed with the future in mind, incorporating flexibility to bring in new technology as it emerges, allowing GM to remain ahead of the curve as it continues to revolutionize the industry.
This building works with technology in uncharted territory, supporting the advanced design and manufacturing of battery cells today and well into the rapidly changing future. This meant the team needed to integrate known process methods of current battery production with theoretical ones. This is where the flexibility, creativity, and collaboration of IPD became an advantage for the project team.
The sheer scope of transforming a historical site with a modern building that will change both the campus itself and the battery production industry comes with its own set of challenges—and opportunities, and the collective team relied on tried-and-true practices while also integrating technology and collaboration to successfully deliver a one-of-a-kind facility sure to set the new standard in automotive.
Inside the Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center, engineers and researchers have access to cutting-edge laboratories dedicated to improving battery cell design, manufacturing processes, and production capabilities. This environment supports GM’s commitment to enhancing EV range and performance while paving the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The building also accommodates manufacturing, testing, and logistics functions, creating a comprehensive hub for battery innovation.
Photography credit to Jason Keen.
