From Gigafactories to Warehouses: The High-Stakes Future of Industrial Logistics

In this episode, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins talk with Steven Strobel, Associate Principal at RLB and leader of the Industrial, Manufacturing, and Logistics sector, about how today’s most complex supply chains are being shaped long before a single shipment moves.With more than 25 years in industrial construction, Steven has led delivery of EV battery gigafactories, semiconductor and data center projects, and advanced manufacturing facilities. His work focuses on turning highly technical operational needs into practical, cost-controlled construction solutions from concept through completion.The discussion centers on a key theme: supply chain performance is largely determined during site selection and facility design, not operations.They explore how utility timing, infrastructure readiness, labor availability, and transportation access often become the biggest constraints in large-scale industrial projects. Steven also breaks down why EV and semiconductor builds are fundamentally different, driven by evolving technology, tighter timelines, and higher risk around cost and scheduling.A consistent takeaway is the importance of early alignment between owners, contractors, engineers, and logistics teams. The earlier the right voices are in the room, the fewer costly surprises show up later.Bottom line: modern logistics success starts at the blueprint, not the warehouse.