Why the Lowest Bid Can Be the Costliest Mistake in Manufacturing & Warehouse Construction

Too often, owners and developers fall into the trap of chasing the lowest bid. On paper, it looks like savings. In reality, it can create a chain reaction of cost overruns, change orders, and long-term maintenance expenses. A contractor focused solely on being the cheapest rarely has the resources, processes, or foresight to deliver lasting value.

For brokers, recommending the “low bidder” can backfire, damaging tenant relationships and eroding credibility when problems surface down the road.

At EXXCEL, we bring all stakeholders design, engineering, and construction, under one contract. This design-build model reduces complexity, speeds up decision-making, and ensures accountability from concept to completion.

By focusing on value engineering at the earliest stages, we identify materials, methods, and workflows that reduce costs without compromising performance. And with 35+ years, 150M+ SF delivered, and projects completed in 45 states, we’ve seen firsthand how smarter planning upfront leads to stronger long-term results.

In other words, paying a little more upfront can mean saving millions over the facility’s life cycle.

PepsiCo
Indianapolis, IN

1.12M SF built in just 188 days, food-grade quality, phased for accelerated occupancy.

ODW Logistics
Lockbourne, OH

929,000 SF distribution center, dried-in under 6 months, advanced warehousing features delivered ahead of market demand.

Rogue Fitness HQ
Columbus, OH

620,000 SF mixed-use facility, delivered two months ahead of schedule, overcoming brownfield challenges.

If you’re a developer, broker, or business owner planning your next manufacturing or warehouse project, ask yourself: Do I want the lowest bid—or the highest return?

Let’s talk about how EXXCEL’s design-build approach can deliver speed, value, and long-term performance on your next project.