|
|
|
How To Construct a Modern Manufacturing Facility
|
Business New Haven
11/12/2001
By:
Mimi Houston
|
You have just earned a patent on your latest invention - the coveted hobnobble. You've already got customers banging on your doors. Investors are flocking. Your next project? Building a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant where you can assemble hundreds of hobnobbles a day to meet your quota, keep your customers happy and your employees comfortable.
These days, building a manufacturing plant is not so different as it was years ago. Major differences are not always visible driving by today's modern plants, as they tend to be inside the facility. But more and more owners are taking the exterior of their buildings more seriously, desiring an environmentally sound design that fits in with natural surroundings and complements its neighbors in an agreeable way.
In order to build your own facility - and not lose your shirt in the process - it helps to have a checklist of tips that will help build strong foundations - both structural and corporate.
• Find a full-service builder who can serve your needs. Many clients feel most comfortable using a firm that can guide them from start to finish in the process of getting their facility built. These firms have designers, professional engineers and site planners all under one roof. This facilitates communication flow between each department needed at all stages in the design and construction.
• Consider remaining in your current facility. Talk to your builder about the feasibility of a renovation and addition to your manufacturing plant. Designers can walk through your facility once you've explained your needs to see how practical it is to stay where you are. Many firms have the desire to keep their current locations, especially if they have established a public presence there. If it is not possible to do so, be sure they can assist you in the complicated process of finding a new site.
• Interview builders to find long-standing connections with commercial Realtors. You'll most likely need to buy land, unless you're adding on to a facility you already own. Finding the right piece of property is a complicated business. Having your firm behind you when looking at potential sites is likely to save you thousands of dollars up-front.
A firm that works with a particular group of Realtors an is stable, financially strong and has been in business for a long time can make finding the ideal site a reality. Full-service firms will have the ability to guide you on property purchases by identifying considerations that may not be readily apparent to you. They'll be able to tell you why it would be more expensive in the long run if you buy that cheaper piece of land because it contains wetlands, making it far more costly to develop.
• Buy smart, think ahead. When reviewing properties, seriously consider allowing extra acreage for possible future expansion of your facility, if that is even a remote possibility of that in your business lifeline.
• Follow current trends in modern design. Nowadays it's customary to place the needs of your employees at or near the top of your wish list. This means ensuring all areas of the building are air-conditioned and well-lighted. It also means paying attention to building design so that you incorporate as many windows as possible to provide for natural lighting.
• Make everyone count. Keep a good handle on the number of employees you are likely to provide space for in years ahead. Work with designers to accommodate proper lunchroom, public space and lavatory requirements.
• Know what you need to run your business. Building your facility is your developer's task. Building your business is yours. Be on top of the latest technological advancements available to you when it comes to assembling your product, and work closely with your builder to provide proper space to accommodate that equipment and any other special requirements you'll house.
• Think environmentally. Your facility should not only look like a welcome neighbor, it should behave like one. Take special care when working with your builder to ensure proper disposal of any hazardous waste products your business produces. Design for responsible placement of dumpsters, loading docks, storage facilities and other unsightly necessities.
• Develop an idea of what your facility will look like. Do you want a thoroughly modern image to house your thoroughly modern facility? Or do you want to house your state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in a building that blends in with the vernacular architecture? It helps to have an image in mind of the kind of building you'd like to call home for your business. Visit companies whose buildings you admire and familiarize yourself with the products and finishes that are pleasing to you.
Obviously there is a tremendous amount to think about when you're ready to build a new facility. Perhaps the best thing you can do is to find a builder you feel comfortable working with - one that has a good work history, stable professional relationships and financial holdings. Always check references and try to visit as many of that company's buildings as possible. Talk with the owners about the building process and use their experiences to prepare you for yours.
|
Go FirstGo PreviousGo
NextGo LastGo
to Index
|
|
