Planning a Machinery Move

Moving machinery during a factory relocation needs precise planning. We have been doing this for a long time and understand you maybe don't know where to start.

First of all you need to make a plan for the move, this is important so that you know everything has been covered. By using a specialist moving company you can be confident the logistics of relocating and any installation is successful.

Planning machinery moving

The further ahead you can plan a move the better, planning is key. If you need to maintain production levels during the move it is very important to plan ahead to ensure production levels are not dropped in order for you to still fulfil orders or targets.

The more time you allow for planning and producing risk assessments the smoother your move will go.

You should create schedule made with a checklist for all plant, equipment and tools involved in the movement to the new location or facility.

The Team

It is a good idea to inform all of your staff and team in advance of a planned machinery or factory move. They could help with the planning stages of the project. You team will be affected by the move so it is better to address any potential problems early. They also may provide useful ideas with the move if they use the machinery on a daily basis. there could also be reasons to not tell the team about the move, or ask them to be discreet when in the early stages of planning.

You will need to appoint a team capable of executing the move. you need to design the new layout, contractors to build new facilities, a company (such as us) that are experienced machinery movers, transport it or store and install it. You also need to involve outside agencies such as health and safety, the HR team and union reps.

Things to consider putting to the plan may be:

Time Restrictions

Do you have contracts that need fulfilling by a certain deadline? If you do, you need to plan the move so it doesn't effect any deadlines you may need to meet.

There could be time constraints with leases or sales of buildings with exchanges of contracts etc.

Access to Site

If you have large machinery to move you need to consider the access not only to the site for removal transport, but access into the building you are moving from and the building you are moving to. You need to ensure the transport vehicles can fit and are allowed to the access points.

Size of Buildings

Take a look at the size of the building you are moving from and the size of the building you are moving to. Check if the machinery can easily be removed and installed in one piece, or does it need dismantling? If the machine was built inside your premises there is a likeliness that it may need taking apart before it is moved. This process can take time and needs planning into the move.

Hazards Assessment

Moving heavy machinery comes with its own hazards that impose a health and safety risk. You need to complete a risk assessment prior to the move and ensure areas are clear and measures put into place ready to start the move.

First Aid

As with all risk assessments and hazard precautions you need to make sure that you have first aid kit and a first aider available at the time of the move. Therefore, if anything were unfortunately to happen, you have the correct procedure in place to avoid any serious consequences or accidents.

Sub Contractors and Staff

The entire staff force both employed staff and sub contractors need to be made aware of the planned move if they are to be at the location on the day of the move. To ensure everyones safety they need to be aware of the procedure to be followed and any areas out of bounds during the move.

Outside Influences

Not only do you have to consider things within the factory for your move, but there are factors outside of the factory walls that can have an impact on the planned move day.

Transport Vehicles

You will need specific and possibly escorted transport to move the heavy machinery

Disruptions

There could be major roadworks or rail disruptions affecting your move so be sure to check local updates prior to the day.

Weather

The weather can partially be predicted ahead of time, but you may want to avoid the autumn or winter months for your move so you have a better chance of the wether not impacting you. Heavy winds, rain or snow could delay your plans.