Top Tips for a Successful Industrial Move

Moving a plant, warehouse, or large commercial operation requires careful organization and planning. Here are some tips for a successful industrial move.

Appoint a Project Manager

Industrial moves require quickly moving a large volume of items with minimal business interruption. The first step is to appoint a project manager for the move. The manager should have sufficient clout within the organization to encourage cooperation. They also should have good relationships with others and be organized.

Develop a Plan and Timeline

Determine your budget. Then, carefully develop and plan a timeline for the move, including schedules for disassembling and reassembling large equipment and a communication plan.

Some questions to ask during plan development are:

• What is our budget for the move?
• How soon do we need to move?
• Can we continue to operate during the move? If so, can we operate on the same scale? Do we need to move equipment at night or during weekends?
• Is it more cost-effective to dispose of inventory or move it?
• Is your equipment new, or is it already outdated and ready for replacement?
• Are supplies arriving that you can divert to the new location rather than having to move them?
• Who do you need to notify about the move? Typically, the list includes governments, utilities, customers, suppliers, and employees.
• What are the best ways to notify each group about the move? What should you say in your notification?

Create a Checklist

Once you know each task, create a checklist to complete each task by the deadline. Checklist items might include:

• Contacting the professional moving company.
• Notifying stakeholders.
• Determining which employees will relocate.
• Taking inventory.
• Developing a layout for the new facility.

Gain Employee Cooperation

Meet with employees to gain their cooperation during the move. Let them know their roles; for example, will they need to help pack? Also, let them know whether they must change their schedule to work around the move. Communicate with employees throughout the moving process and solicit feedback when possible.

If you are relocating to a different city or state, decide which employees you most need to relocate with the company. Then, offer relocation assistance to help them make the move successfully. Give other employees notice and provide job search assistance, if necessary.

Choose an Experienced Industrial Mover

Begin interviewing professional moving companies as soon as you know you will move. Large industrial moves are complicated, so ask potential movers about their experience completing moves similar to yours.

An experienced industrial mover can be a partner, helping your company through the process. Many can help you design the layout of your new facility, conduct an audit of your equipment, or develop a schedule for disassembling and reassembling equipment that allows you to continue production. An experienced moving company partner can often be the difference between a smooth move and one that dramatically disrupts your business.

We have years of specialized moving experience and can help ensure the best outcome for your company.

Contact us today. We offer a specialized team of industrial movers with the necessary machines, trucks, equipment, and riggings to complete your move on time and within budget.