Plant Relocation Checklist for Heavy Machinery Movers
The decision to relocate a plant or facility is determined by a variety of different factors. Plant relocation is necessary when downsizing, expanding, or merging two facilities together to optimize business operations. Whatever the reason for plant relocation, it is important that it is done right. There are a lot of moving parts involved with a plant relocation and if not done correctly, it can lead to numerous problems for your business. Professional heavy machinery movers ensure that each step of the process is handled with great attention to detail.
Plant Layouts
Preparation is key when carrying out a plant relocation project. The more prepared you are, the less chance there is of something going wrong. The first thing you’ll want to do is gather layouts or drawings for both the old facility and the new one. The layout of the old facility will allow you to determine exactly what is needed for the new facility. This helps engineers decide where each piece of equipment will be located in the new facility, optimizing the new plant for the most efficient operations possible.
Equipment Testing
Determining the condition of the equipment you intend to relocate is very important. You’ll have to decide whether each piece of equipment is ready for transport, needs repairs, or if it’s time to be recycled. For equipment that needs repairs, figure out if purchasing a new piece of equipment would be more cost-effective. Getting it repaired might be the quickest and least expensive option at the time but in the long run, purchasing a new piece of equipment may be the most beneficial option you have.
Make sure to keep an organized list for the equipment being relocated with details about each individual pieces of equipment. These details may include the type of equipment, model, manufacturer information, identification number, dimensions & weight, maintenance records and more. The more details you can provide, the better. Taking high-resolution photographs of the equipment can be beneficial for recording the little details and requirements for each piece of equipment.
Efficient Scheduling
Efficient scheduling during the plant relocation process is crucial for limiting the downtime of business operations as much as possible. Schedule the relocation of specific pieces of equipment strategically. By doing so, you may be able to keep operating certain pieces of equipment at the old facility while other pieces of equipment are being transported. Then once those pieces are delivered to the new facility, they can begin to operate while the rest of the equipment is being transported.
Trucking & Crating
Moving heavy pieces of machinery certainly has risks involved. If not done correctly and in the safest way possible, equipment can be damaged. Professional heavy machinery movers will know exactly how to safely transport your equipment. They’ll provide crating, skids and safety materials needed to ensure safe and efficient transport.
Relocation Instructions & Installation
You’ll want to work closely with your contractors to lay out specific instructions for relocating and installing the equipment. Provide as many details as possible for the dismantling, packing, loading, securing, transporting, unloading, and reassembling of each piece of equipment. It is also a good idea to include the equipment specs with these instructions.
Once the equipment arrives at the new facility, it should be prepared to be installed and the utilities ready to be connected. Communication is crucial during the installation process as each piece of equipment needs to be installed correctly to function properly.
Final Testing
Once the plant relocation process is complete and all of your equipment has been transported, you should conduct a final equipment test. Go through each piece of equipment as you did before the plant relocation. Make sure all equipment is set up properly and working the way it should be.
Professional Heavy Machinery Movers
Heritage Industrial Services can provide all forms of rigging, machinery moving, plant relocation, and installation. Our services run the range from removing and installing small individual machines to very large plant size projects. For plant relocations involving heavy machinery, we are a turnkey contractor that can provide all the services required to complete your relocation for you.
Heavy industrial and manufacturing equipment relocation can be a serious challenge, but with over 90 years of combined experience, there isn’t much we haven’t moved or done. Heritage Industrial’s expert staff employs the most up-to-date equipment and certified safety techniques to ensure the highest quality rigging operations. Heritage Industrial employs certified trained heavy equipment movers for all projects to ensure that all your rigging needs are performed safely, productively, and on budget with no issues. If your company is considering a plant relocation, contact us today to discuss your project.
