In factory construction, the general contractor is the unit that connects design and execution into a unified workflow, ensuring the project operates according to schedule and technical standards. Choosing the right industrial general contractor helps investors feel confident about quality, progress, and overall consistency throughout project implementation.
1. What is an industrial construction general contractor?
An industrial construction general contractor is the entity that signs a direct contract with the investor to execute all or most of the project’s factory construction packages. Depending on the model (Design & Build, EPC, or Construction General Contracting), the general contractor may handle everything from design, legal procedures, and construction to commissioning and handover.
Main scope of work often includes:
- Concept design, technical design, and construction drawings (for Design-Build or EPC models).
- Supporting the investor in completing legal procedures and ensuring construction complies with building permits, fire safety (FIRE-FIGHTING), and environmental regulations (for Design-Build or EPC).
- Developing the master schedule and controlling quantities.
- Construction of structural works, architecture, and technical infrastructure.
- Installation of M&E, HVAC, firefighting, water treatment, and auxiliary systems for the production line.
- Commissioning, test run, and factory handover.
- Coordinating subcontractors, and controlling safety and quality.
Core point: the general contractor takes full responsibility for technical quality – schedule – and safety, minimizing risks for the investor.
Power Plus Technology factory construction project where DELCO acted as the Design & Build general contractor (construction + MEP)
2. Core roles of a general contractor in factory projects
2.1 Schedule control
The general contractor manages the schedule throughout the design – legal – construction – technical installation cycle. For FDI projects with strict handover deadlines, synchronized construction organization is a decisive factor.
2.2 Ensuring technical quality
Ensuring technical quality is a central responsibility. The general contractor must calculate sustainable structural solutions, control foundation loads, ensure effective waterproofing, and implement M&E, HVAC, firefighting systems in compliance with standards. When project components are executed consistently and tightly controlled, the facility operates stably and meets all industry specifications.
2.3 Cost optimization through integrated design–construction
General contractors can optimize materials, technical system configurations, and construction methods thanks to their full understanding of the entire workflow from design to onsite implementation. The Design & Build model reduces technical conflicts and minimizes variations, thereby optimizing overall investment cost.
2.4 Legal compliance and safety
The general contractor is responsible for completing design dossiers, firefighting, environmental documents, and ensuring that construction strictly complies with these regulations. They also organize HSE activities on site, supervise safety measures, and conduct firefighting acceptance procedures according to legal requirements.
Firefighting system acceptance test at DORCO Living Vina factory
2.5 A single unified contact point, reducing investor risk
When the general contractor manages everything from design to completion, any change or issue is resolved promptly, reducing discrepancies between drawings and execution and avoiding conflicts between multiple subcontractors.
⪢ 4 mandatory standards for factory construction in Vietnam
3. Key criteria when choosing a factory construction general contractor
3.1 Industry-specific construction experience
A reputable industrial general contractor must have multi-sector experience: electronics (static control), pharmaceuticals – food (cleanrooms, HVAC), mechanical – automation (heavy loads), cold storage – logistics (temperature and humidity control). Contractors familiar with each sector will propose accurate solutions right from the design stage.
3.2 Quality of completed and operating projects
To evaluate a factory construction contractor, review projects that have been in operation for 3–5 years. Factory durability, aesthetics, condition of the envelope structure, and M&E system reflect the contractor’s true execution capability.
3.3 Design capability and technical synchronization
A contractor strong in design can synchronize architecture – structure – M&E – infrastructure, reducing technical conflicts, optimizing production functionality, and predicting risks early. This is particularly important for projects with high technical requirements such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food.
3.4 Cost transparency
A reputable industrial general contractor communicates costs clearly, explains influencing factors, and proactively proposes optimized solutions based on the investor’s budget, helping maintain financial control while ensuring quality.
3.5 Construction organization capability and local expertise
Factory construction requires efficient site organization, strict safety management, and understanding of climate and infrastructure conditions in each region to select appropriate construction methods and materials, ensuring long-term durability.
With many years as a trusted partner of FDI investors in Vietnam, DELCO has extensive experience in factory construction across various industries and meets specific technical requirements effectively. We accompany clients throughout the entire project lifecycle—from design and construction to stable operation and future upgrade plans—always aiming for optimal and tailored solutions for each factory.
⪢ Procedures for obtaining factory construction permits in Vietnam
⪢ DELCO industrial construction general contracting services
