There are any number of factors that might prompt a move from one industrial facility to another: To gain access to additional warehouse space, to increase the footprint of your shop floor, or simply to have a more efficient way to implement your heavy machinery.
No matter the reasons for your industrial relocation, you can anticipate plenty of challenges. Two of the biggest challenges for industrial relocation are promoting employee safety and minimizing inefficiency and downtime. And that’s to say nothing of the sheer scale of these projects, which require complex logistical considerations.
All of these concerns can be addressed by hiring a skilled commercial relocation company, specifically one with ample experience in the industrial space. Corovan is at the forefront of this field, with more than 75 years of experience in business logistics and heavy machinery moving.
Plan Your Move
In addition to hiring the right relocation company, another way to ensure efficiency is to plan and schedule in advance.
For industrial clients, there are a few different ways to approach the move:
- Shutting down production until the relocation is complete.
- Paring down to small-scale production in the midst of the move.
- Transporting non-essential equipment during the day, other machinery at night.
Talk with your relocation company about the schedule that’s best suited for your needs.
Ensure the Right Rigging
Heavy machinery moves often entail objects that are incredibly large, movable only via forklift or crane. What’s more, these items are often irregular in shape, meaning traditional packaging is not an option.
As such, it’s important to find a commercial relocation company that offers rigging and other specialized services, providing you with individualized solutions for securing big, heavy, and oddly shaped equipment.
Use the Right Vehicles
To efficiently transport heavy machinery to a new site, you may need to rely on multiple kinds of vehicles, including flatbeds with different sizes and dimensions.
When interviewing potential relocation partners, make sure you ask not only about the vehicles they have at their disposal, but also their standards for ensuring heavy machinery is loaded safely for transport, properly secured at all times. Also keep in mind that, for some moves, flatbeds may be insufficient. Ask about other specialized vehicles that can handle oversized loads.
Perform Inspections Before and After
To ensure the safety of your employees, and the integrity of your machinery, it’s important to conduct thorough inspections both before and after the move.
Check for things like fluid levels, the condition of hydraulic hoses, and the functionality of lights and horns. Verify that everything is in good working order before it is transported and before it is placed back into service.
Ensure Safety When Loading and Unloading
There are a number of guidelines to keep in mind when loading and unloading heavy machinery. Best practices include:
- Always load or unload on level ground.
- Ensure the area is free of people, particularly those who are not needed for the project.
- Have a spotter on hand to help as needed.
Have More Questions About Heavy Machinery and Industrial Relocations?
Our experienced team can help. Get your free consultation today!
Learn MorePrioritize Safety and Efficiency in Your Next Industrial Move
Industrial applications require plenty of strategic planning. And of course, they require qualified relocation partners. At Corovan, we have a proven track record conducting safe and efficient heavy machinery moves. Contact us with any questions about your next industrial project.