In this episode, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Steven Strobel, Associate Principal at RLB and leader of the firm’s Industrial, Manufacturing, and Logistics sector, for a grounded look at how today’s most complex supply chains are being shaped long before operations begin. With over 25 years of experience in industrial construction, Steven has led design, construction, and project delivery across some of the most demanding environments in the market, including EV battery gigafactories, semiconductor and data center programs, advanced manufacturing facilities, and next-generation logistics buildings. His work focuses on translating highly technical operational requirements into practical, cost-controlled, and buildable solutions from concept through completion. Key themes from the episode 1. Industrial construction is now a supply chain decision, not just a building decision Steven explains how site selection and facility design directly influence long-term supply chain performance. From utilities to transportation access, early infrastructure decisions set the limits for operational success. 2. Utilities and timing are often the first major failure point One of the most overlooked risks in large-scale projects is not whether utilities exist, but whether they are available when critical phases of construction and equipment installation actually require them. 3. EV, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing projects are redefining scale and complexity Gigafactories and high-tech facilities are pushing unprecedented demands on infrastructure, sequencing, and coordination. These projects often involve evolving technologies that are still being developed while buildings are under construction. 4. Cost, schedule, and scope risk grow rapidly without early alignment Across large industrial builds, the most common breakdowns come from underestimated budgets, unrealistic timelines, and misalignment between owners, contractors, and design teams. 5. Labor, logistics, and site design must be treated as one system Workforce availability, transportation access, and internal facility flow all influence long-term performance. Steven emphasizes that successful projects account for how people and materials move through the system, not just how the building looks on paper. 6. The strongest projects start with the right partners in the room early A recurring theme is the importance of early collaboration between owners, engineers, contractors, and logistics stakeholders. Success is less about lowest cost and more about shared understanding of outcomes, risk, and execution strategy. Final takeaway Steven’s perspective brings a clear message: the future of logistics performance is being built in today’s design rooms and construction sites. EV plants, semiconductor facilities, and automated warehouses are not just scaling up, they are becoming more interconnected, more complex, and more dependent on early-stage decisions that cannot easily be reversed. For logistics and manufacturing leaders, the lesson is simple. If you want better supply chain performance, start earlier than the warehouse. Start at the blueprint.
