Schedule a Call Location, location, location. You knew it was important when it came to buying your home, but did you know how much impact it had on your facility location?
Maybe the facility you chose was perfect when you picked it, but you’ve outgrown the space. Now you’re facing a big move, which includes thousands or millions of dollars of equipment.
That’s not something to take lightly. You need a facility relocation project plan in place before you even call a commercial realtor. Learn how to get started below.
1. Make a List of Why You’re Moving
It seems simple, but making a list of what you’re not getting at your current location turns into a checklist for your next one.
Do you need more room in the facility? Does it need to be more easily accessible from the highway? Have a bigger generator or more processing power?
Or maybe you just want to reduce your commute. Those are all relevant reasons to move facilities.
If those were your above complaints, you would know that you need a more accessible location, with more power, that’s closer to yourself and your workers.
2. Make a Pros and Cons List of Each Potential Spot
When you go and look at potential locations, bring a pad of paper (or a phone app) with you. Just like house hunting, it’s rare you check every box on your list within your price range.
Keep a pros and cons list of what you’re getting vs missing out on. This exercise will also teach you what you’re not willing to negotiate. Maybe you’re willing to have a twenty-minute commute instead of thirty, but you can’t give up a bigger generator.
Setting these boundaries will help you pick the right location the first time.
3. Don’t Ignore the Risks of Your Facility Relocation Project Plan
When you’ve picked a location and you’re ready for the big move, what’s going to be the most dangerous part?
Maybe you work with chemicals that are going to be difficult to transport. How are you going to make that work for you? Planning ahead is cheaper and smarter when it comes to reducing liability risk.
What about moving labor? Who are you going to get to help you move? If you’re using some of your employees, does your insurance or their contract cover this kind of work?
Can you risk them pulling their back picking something up if they have a physical job?
Calculate the risk and losses of an injured employee (or two) and compare them to the cost of a moving company. Make your decision from there.
The farther in advance you put together your facility relocation project plan, the better off you’ll be.
Surviving Moving Day
Now that your facility relocation project plan is in place, you can plan the big day. Remember that more hands are better than too few and that securing your equipment that one extra time is always worth it.
With some patience, a solid plan, and a good amount of coffee – you’ll be up and running at your new facility in no time.
Need some help setting up the new place? Click here and let us help!