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Building a new manufacturing plant or expanding the current facility can be an exciting operation, and often frustrating. There are plenty of problems that may occur along the way, so being as prepared as possible is a good idea. It is helpful to have a fairly good understanding of the different steps you need to prepare and handle your construction project.

In knowing the process and picking the right industrial contractor to be your construction partner, you'll be well on your way to a great project that will meet your needs, remain within your budget and finish on time.

1. Find your location

If you’re building something new it’s time to find the location and land acquisition that’s right for you. You’ll want to make sure it has the right pace for your needs including loading docks, parking, storage, and any other needs that you have based on the type of manufacturing plant that you are constructing. In addition, a review of potential barriers like wetlands and infrastructure should be reviewed at this time.

2. Approvals & Permits

You’ll need to consider what approvals and permits you will need to get construction started. This can be a complicated step, so this is a great time to involve your building contractor – if you have not already involved them.

3. Financing, Grants, Loans & TIF

After having your perfect location and the right permits, it’s time to plan out how you will be financing your construction project. There are numerous options available, but not every option will be the right choice for you. This is where a trusted contractor can help you navigate what funding option is best for you.

4. Concept & Design

The concept and design phase is one of the most exciting steps to reach. You and your contractor will begin to conceptualize and design what your manufacturing plant or manufacturing plant addition will look like. You will likely go through many revisions and versions to get to the final design.

5. Delivery System (GC, CM, DB, etc)

Once your design and concepts are complete, you’ll need to determine your system of delivery. Will you need a general contractor (GC), and/or a construction manager (CM). Are your schedule and budget tight? Then Design-Build may be the best choice for your projects.

6. Schedule

Creating a schedule that aligns with your financing terms, production forecasts, relocation plans, and many other elements is critical.

7. Pre-plan large equipment needs

Depending on your manufacturing facility you may need to purchase new equipment or plan for the moving of your large existing equipment months in advance. Don’t forget to include these in your plans – items like overhead cranes need to be planned for in advance.

8. Plan for the future

When planning a new facility, it is ideal to plan how you could possibly expand it further in the future. If you build your manufacturing plant in a way that will make it easy to expand, your facility is easily scalable.

9. Building Preparation

Before you break ground, there are a few more considerations to be made. How will your building be constructed? Will it be concrete or metal? What type of lighting will be used? Do you want your building to be as environmentally friendly as possible? Also consider planning for total occupancy, floor loads, clear span, ceiling heights, power needs, HVAC requirements, and other needs your manufacturing plant will have to become fully functional.

10. Hire the right builder!

Even though the process of building or expanding a manufacturing plant can be overwhelming, partnering with a trusted building services partner will make it move as smoothly as possible.

Call Jewett Construction to learn more about building or expanding your manufacturing plant.