If you’ve been thinking about relocating your factory, then you will find out it is a huge task. Without a solid plan, moving factories can be a stressful and overwhelming process, leading to added costs and frustrations. However, if you think ahead and create a plan of action before you make the big decision, it can make the transition a lot smoother.
Planning will remove unwanted surprises along the way, decreasing the likelihood of disruptions which can add to a loss of business.
You’ll find in this article a strategy and checklist to make your factory transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. We’ve carefully selected the essential steps for everything you need to remember when moving factory.
Start With a Timeline and Plan
Starting out, a plan with a timeline is essential. Going headfirst without any idea of the time and complications a factory move provides will always end in disaster.
There are so many steps and tasks that need to be completed along the way and without a plan, it is easy to forget important parts. It can be simple to underestimate the task ahead but with anticipation and a clear path, you can navigate this process stress-free.
Below is a template checklist to follow. This is a very basic guide which you can edit and mould to your own ideas. It is important to have a strict plan of dates to have things in place by.
| Timeline | Goals |
| 12 Months | Why are you movingConsider factory dimensionsConsult professional help |
| 6 Months | Locate your new locationLook for legal supportTest machines before move |
| 3 Months | Get quotes from moving companiesPurchase any new equipment |
| 1 month | Notify service providersNotify customers and suppliers |
| Moving Day | Make sure everyone has a scheduleEnjoy the day! |
Is Moving Factory Necessary?
Many studies have shown that businesses usually decide to relocate factories without real thought or reason. These moves can be unnecessary and can even lead to disaster. Weighing up the pros and cons is a good place to start, then seeking professional advice or similar people in your industry who have moved before.
It is important to scale up your business to attract more customers but also keeping your staff happy. This could include adding more workspaces, meeting rooms or areas for staff to relax and unwind to improve the happiness of your employees. If your current environment doesn’t support this growth, then looking into a new factory could be a good idea.
Here are some points to consider:
- Would more space improve production?
- Would a new factory space attract more talent?
- Does my current factory have room for expansion?
- Would my staff be happy with a move?
Important Record Transferring (QMS)
This step is important when moving factory and can be easily forgotten. Make sure your vital Quality Management System documents (QMS) are ready for reissue at your new factory. Planning in advance to transfer records and any on-site data storage is a wise option, ensuring they are secure and up to GDPR standards. It is also a good idea to insure the transition of these documents, as they are important and may get lost during the journey. Create backups of these documents, protecting you in the longterm.
Also, if you have any client or supplier documentation on site, it is important to transfer it over to your new factory. Keep a track of all files, to decrease the likelihood of losing important information. When these details arrive at your new factory, it is a good idea to have recorded delivery, especially with important client information to ensure safe arrival.
Careful Factory Layout and Design
Having a clear and precise guide for your new factory move is vital. When planning your new layout, keep in mind you want to improve production rates. This may mean making a cleaner and more minimalistic factory by improving workflow and removing unwanted speed.
Get some ideas from similar companies in your genre and test with different solutions. Speaking with your team is also a great way to improve productivity. They are on the front line and may have suggestions for ways to boost workflow.
Things to think about with the new layout:
- Workflow
- Improve production
- Employee happiness
- Ergonomics
- Safety
- New machinery location
Safe Equipment Transit and Testing Post Move
Your equipment may be the cornerstone to your company and they may have never been moved long distances before. During transit, it is important to preserve your machinery and products to avoid breakages and damage.
Any products with a short shelf life should be transferred first with a priority.
Before the move, it is a good idea to audit your machinery, checking the condition of your equipment. This gives you a chance view if you need updated machinery before the big transfer happens. You then have information to whether your bigger items need relocation, removed or refurbished before transportation.
Then, once you have decided and moved into the new factory, it is wise to recalibrate and re-test machinery. Inspect the equipment has no damages post travel and reassure it is working to full capacity within its stated parameters. This will ensure accurate equipment that is fit for purpose. It is easy to just assume everything will work as normal once arrive at your new factory, however you may be welcomed with expensive disruptions and delays.
Of course it is also wise to invest in a professional company to relocate your equipment. This will give you peace of mind that your expensive equipment is in good hands, reducing the risk of damaged property.
Look Into Quality Service Providers
A major part of any factory are the service providers, your gas, electricity, water and internet access. Before moving, ensure your new location can provide sufficient supply to your energy demands. It could be an issue if you purchase a new property and you don’t have enough energy to perform at your peak. This could lead to huge expenses that are unnecessary and can be easily avoided.
Speak to your current service providers, such as gas and electricity supplier to try and advise them of your current energy output. Having this all set up before the office move in is essential for a smooth transition into your new factory.
Could you image how frustrating it would be when moving to realise you have a weak energy supply, putting you behind. It is crucial for your business, so this should be a high priority on the checklist. Your gas and electricity is the most important place to start, so keeping them informed of both your move out of your current factory and into your new factory is key.
Ensure Your Team is Involved
As always, having a strong team bond is vital to every business and that starts with communication. This implies to your staff, customers, investors and your local authorities. When deciding to move factory, it can create challenges for some employees. Even the shortest of moves can have an impact on their lives, whether that is a new route to work, or more time out of their day travelling.
Speaking with customers and suppliers is essential too during before factory transition. Your move might have an effect on them. Suppliers might request higher fees and it may have an impact on delivery times.
Everyone should be given updates and advised on the steps you’re taking when moving factory. This will make moving day effortless and a lot more steady as all the staff will know where they need to be, as well as the new layout and possible new machinery.
Involving staff is a great way to boost team morale too. Also, they could come up with some creative and unique designs you didn’t think of, both saving you money and time. You should be open to including everyone with different aspects of the new factory, giving fresh ideas.
Create a Moving Day Checklist
In advance, you could create a checklist to ensure you’ve ticked off the important tasks. This will give you peace of mind that you’ve definitely advised the right people of the move and have everything ready in place for the big day.
Your employees should all be given a copy of this document do there is no confusion on moving day.
| Equipment Checklist | People to Inform |
| New machinery working | Customers |
| Previous machinery working | Staff Members |
| No damage to equipment | Service Providers |
| Packing Materials | Suppliers |