Buist partnered with Benteler Automotive to deliver communications infrastructure for the company’s new 315,000 sq.ft. Stafford Plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Buist provided structured cabling, wireless infrastructure, surveillance systems, and access control required to support the facility’s operations and workforce communications.
Buist installed 230 Category 6 network cable runs, modular jacks, and data inserts supporting office and cubicle workstations. In the Ecoat manufacturing area, the team installed 10 dedicated Category 6 runs along with EMT conduit to protect the network infrastructure in the industrial environment. J-hooks and cable raceways were installed throughout the building in accordance with BICSI standards to maintain organized and protected cable pathways.
To support network distribution across the large facility, Buist installed eight runs of single-mode six-strand fiber from the main distribution frame (MDF) to eight intermediate distribution frame (IDF) cabinets located strategically throughout the building. Each IDF location included a cabinet and a 48-port Category 6 loaded patch panel to serve local network connections. Within the MDF, Buist installed a two-post open rack with side cable managers, two additional 48-port Category 6 patch panels, a server cabinet, and grounding and cable tray infrastructure.
In addition, Buist installed and cabled several key systems that support plant operations and facility security. This included 34 Cisco wireless access points for facility-wide connectivity, 46 IP surveillance cameras, and 19 large-format 70-inch displays used for operational communications and production visibility across the plant floor.
The access control and workforce management systems included the installation and cabling of eight Kaba time clocks, nine Kaba door controllers, twenty-three card readers, and twenty-five door contacts throughout the facility. All network cabling was terminated, tested, and labeled in accordance with BICSI standards, ensuring the system was fully documented and ready for integration with Benteler’s IT infrastructure.
This new facility represents a major investment in automotive manufacturing in West Michigan. Buist is proud to have supported Benteler Automotive with the technology infrastructure that keeps the building connected, secure, and ready for production for years to come.
