June 2023
Case
HBS Case Collection

Barton Malow: Building From the Top-Down

By: Hise O. Gibson and Alicia Dadlani

Format:Print
| Language:English
| Pages:22

Abstract

In 2023, Detroit-based Barton Malow completed the first high-rise building in the U.S. built from the top-down using LIFTbuild, a patented methodology that aimed to make construction safer and more efficient. By completing building work at ground level and then automatically lifting and locking floors into place, the new process eliminated many of the dangers and inefficiencies of constructing buildings at height. The century-old construction firm hoped its novel methodology would pave the way for a better way to build but found that innovating a well-established industry was challenging. CEO Ryan Maibach must determine how to grow the business and increase adoption of LIFTbuild.