How to Relocate Industrial Operations with Minimal Downtime
With reshoring, modernization initiatives and consolidation on the rise, we are seeing more manufacturers relocating their operations to stay competitive. But relocating an industrial facility is a highly complex endeavor, with equipment, teams and production schedules all moving at once.
The biggest challenge with an industrial facility relocation is keeping downtime to a minimum. But with the right planning and a turnkey team that brings every trade under one roof, operations can stay productive even during a major move.
First Things First: Pre-move Planning
A smooth relocation starts before any equipment is even moved. Conducting a thorough pre-move assessment is essential to identify equipment needs, power requirements, mechanical systems and any layout changes required at the receiving site.
A well-defined sequence of events outlines what happens first, next and last so the move fits around production targets and avoids downtime. When one partner handles planning and execution for every trade, the handoffs are cleaner and the scheduling gaps that often slow down relocations can be greatly reduced.
Sample Relocation Flow:
Assess → Disconnect → Move → Reconnect → Test → Resume Production
This simple sequence highlights the value of having every discipline aligned from the start.
Rigging and Machinery Moving: The Heart of the Operation
Rigging is often the single most influential factor in avoiding downtime. Nearly every relocation depends on the safe disassembly, transport and precise reinstallation of machinery. Industrial rigging services with trained crews and owned equipment ensure lifts are controlled, move plans are followed and assets arrive exactly where they need to be.
When rigging teams work directly with mechanical, electrical and controls specialists, the transition from move to reconnect happens seamlessly.
Mechanical and Pipefitting: Reconnecting Process Systems
Most industrial equipment depends on air, steam, water, hydraulics or custom process lines. Industrial mechanical services carried out by experienced tradespeople are essential for disconnecting, reinstalling and aligning machines so production resumes smoothly.
When working with an industrial contracting company, ensure they have in-house pipefitters and mechanical teams, which will eliminate the handoff delays that inevitably happen when multiple contractors must coordinate each part of the job.
Most downtime during a relocation happens between trades.
A single-source team eliminates those gaps.
Electrical: Powering Up the New Facility
Electrical work is one of the most common points where relocations fall behind. A skilled industrial electrical contractor must manage safe lockout/tagout, confirm power requirements and reconnect equipment to the receiving site’s panels. Many companies make the mistake of bringing in electricians only after the machines are in place, which is a common cause of delay as wiring and load checks usually need to happen before equipment is set.
When electrical teams are involved from the start, they can verify loads early, coordinate with rigging and mechanical schedules and power up equipment as soon as it’s set. That kind of alignment keeps the reconnect phase moving.
Controls and Automation: Bringing Systems Back Online
Once machines are in their rightful place and powered back up, controls systems determine how quickly production returns. PLCs, HMIs, sensors and automated lines all need to be reconnected and tested, and even small configuration issues can slow down a restart.
Controls technicians who understand the full move plan can bring systems back online in the right sequence, troubleshoot problems as they arise and reduce the commissioning delays that often bog down the final phase of a relocation.
Startup and Optimization
The move isn’t complete until the equipment is up and running. Mechanical, electrical and controls teams calibrate, test under real conditions and address any issues on the spot. That collaborative startup is what ensures production picks up exactly where it left off.
With coordinated industrial rigging services, industrial mechanical services, an industrial electrical contractor and controls support working as one team, manufacturing operations can relocate without losing momentum. Turnkey capabilities from an experienced industrial contracting team keep schedules tight, simplify communication and help manufacturers stay productive from the first disconnect to the final startup.
Planning to relocate your industrial operations? Lee Industrial Contracting provides all the trades you need to plan and execute a smooth move. Request a quote today.
