When you launch a manufacturing business, you could start off renting your facility. You’ll make adjustments as time goes on, and you could end up outgrowing the premises you’re renting. That could lead to you considering building a manufacturing facility.
There are plenty of reasons for this like:
- Giving you full control over how it’s built.
- Designing it to perfectly suit your operations.
- Making sure you have everything you need.
- Giving your company a tangible asset.
- Creating more space for you to use.
These are all great benefits to work toward, and you’ll be ready to take the plunge on the build. It’s not a decision any company should take lightly, though.
It takes a sizable investment, and you’ll have a lot to figure out when you’re doing it. Taking the right steps is vital for this, and you should know what you’re doing. Part of this is knowing what considerations you’ll need to keep in mind when you’re building a manufacturing facility.
Key Considerations for Building a Manufacturing Facility
Before you start construction on your manufacturing facility, pay particular attention to some specific consideration. These will heavily impact the process going forward, with some of these standing out:
- Location – Your facility’s location is vital. You’ll have to make sure you’ve enough space, while also being in close proximity to clients and suppliers. Take the time to find the right location for your premises.
- Materials – The materials you use in your manufacturing facility are essential for its durability and overall functionality. Since it depends on your needs, it’s vital you spend some time considering this. Pick the right suppliers for this, too, like Butler Building Parts.
- Costs – Speaking of materials, these will be a notable cost. They wouldn’t be the only ones. Instead, you’ll have more than a few other costs to be aware of. Take the time to figure out what your costs will be before starting.
- Regulations – There’ll be plenty of regulations revolving around how you can build your manufacturing facility. Make sure you’re aware of and adhere to them before getting started.
Once you’ve settled on each of these, you’re in a better position to start building a manufacturing facility. Taking the right steps going forward plays a vital role in this. Five of them are essential.
Building a Manufacturing Facility: 5 Steps to Take
1. Develop Your Design
As part of the process, you’ll need to design your manufacturing facility. There’s a lot involved in this, and you’ll have to make sure you get it right. There are multiple factors to keep in mind with it, so pay attention to all of them. Some of these will be more important than others.
Your employees’ workflow and overall operations will be a key part of this. Make sure your employees can work productively once the facility is complete. The easier it is for everyone to work, the better. Don’t overlook any communal areas you could need, too. Even workplace safety will be a part of this.
2. Plan for Future Renovations
You’ll be building a manufacturing facility because you could’ve outgrown the one you’re already using. Naturally, you’ll want that growth to continue. Keep that in mind when you’re designing your premises. You wouldn’t want to end up in a position where any renovations or expansions are too much of a hassle to do.
Keep them in mind when you’re creating your design. That way, your manufacturing facility will be much more scalable. Having extra space to expand into is a key part of this. By putting the time and effort into this now, you’ll save a lot of hassle later on.
3. Choose the Right Contractors
You’ll need builders and contractors for your manufacturing facility to be built. You’ll already know that, and it’s worth making sure you pick the right contractors for your needs. Multiple factors play a role in this. Make sure they have the expertise needed to build a facility like yours.
Check out their previous work and any testimonials left by previous clients. It’ll give you an accurate idea of what it’ll be like to work with them. Go with the highest quality options you can find. While that means paying a little more for their services, it’ll be more than worth it.
4. Create a Project Timeline
Nobody’s able to build a manufacturing facility overnight. It’ll take a decent bit of time. You’ll need to be prepared for that, and you can work with your contractors to develop a project timeline. This is a comprehensive outline of the entire process, detailing when certain tasks are completed and when they should be done.
Multiple variables will affect this timeline, and it’s always worth being prepared for some delays. These are usually caused by adverse weather and delays in material delivery. Your timeline should factor these into account so your timeline doesn’t end up longer than it should’ve been.
5. Break Ground
Each of the above should be the major steps involved in building your facility. There shouldn’t be much else to sort out, with formalities being the main things left over. Now, it’s time to actually break ground on your new facility. You’ll be set to go.
It could be worth celebrating the fact you’re breaking ground. You’re one step closer to having a facility to call your own, so you’ve no reason not to. You’ve no reason not to feel proud of the fact you’re taking another step toward your growth.
Building a Manufacturing Facility: Summing It Up
Once your manufacturing business reaches a certain point, you’ll need a facility to call your own. While you could buy one and make renovations, you can also consider building a manufacturing facility. It boasts more than a few benefits, and gives you greater control of your premises.
It isn’t a decision you should make lightly, though. You’ll have to keep key considerations in mind, while also taking the right steps going forward. They’ll help make sure you’re on the right track, and help you build a manufacturing facility you’ll use for decades to come.
