A factory relocation is only successful when the new facility is commissioned and producing on schedule. Getting to that point — from the decision to relocate through planning, decommissioning, moving, installation, and recommissioning — requires a structured approach and experienced contractors who can execute every phase efficiently. This factory relocation checklist will help you ensure nothing falls through the gaps and that your new facility is operational as quickly as possible.
Factory Relocation Checklist: Before the Move
- Start planning as early as possible — the more lead time you have, the better the quality of decisions you can make about sequencing, contractor selection, and the new facility layout.
- Prepare a layout drawing for the new facility — before any machinery moves, every machine should have a confirmed position in the new factory layout. This avoids machines being installed in the wrong position and having to be repositioned later.
- Audit your machinery — document the condition, dimensions, and weight of every machine. Identify which machines are worth moving, which may require refurbishment, and which might be more cost-effective to replace at the new site.
- Contact your rigging contractor early — the earlier you involve a rigging contractor, the more input they can provide into the planning process. Their knowledge of what is practical and achievable on your specific project can significantly improve your overall relocation plan.
- Obtain civil quotes for foundations and utilities — new foundation plinths, utility connections, compressed air, and electrical supply at the new facility need to be ready before machinery arrives. This work must be scoped and contracted well in advance.
- Plan changes to your supply chain — a relocation affects your delivery addresses, transportation routes, and supply chain timing. Notify suppliers and customers well in advance.
Factory Relocation Checklist: During the Move
- Follow the planned sequence — move machines in the agreed sequence. Deviating from the plan without re-planning the downstream effects creates confusion and can result in machines arriving before their installation position is ready.
- Document the condition of every machine before it moves — photographs and written notes before disconnection create the baseline record. If any dispute arises about damage during the move, this documentation is essential.
- Verify the new facility is ready to receive each item — confirm foundations, floor surfaces, and utility connections before each machine arrives. Do not allow a machine to be placed in an area that is not ready for it.
- Maintain safety management throughout — the same rigging safety requirements apply during a factory relocation as on any other rigging project. Method statements, lift plans, and LOTO (lock-out/tag-out) procedures must be followed for every machine move.
Factory Relocation Checklist: After the Move
- Level and align every machine before recommissioning — machines installed out of level or misaligned will not operate correctly and may suffer premature wear or damage.
- Recommission in sequence — recommissioning should proceed in production sequence where possible, so that the first machines brought online are those that feed into the rest of the line.
- Conduct a production trial before full handover — run each machine through its operating cycle before declaring it ready for production. Address any issues found during the trial before the machine is handed over to the production team.
- Update records — update asset registers, maintenance records, and safety files to reflect the new facility locations for all equipment.
Reef Rigging provides full-service factory relocation management, covering every phase from initial site survey to final commissioning. Explore our factory relocation services or contact the team to start planning your move.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fast-Track Factory Recommissioning
What causes delays in factory recommissioning after a relocation?
The most common causes of factory recommissioning delays are civil work at the new site not being completed before machinery arrives, utility connections not being ready when machines need to be reconnected, machines being installed in the wrong sequence so that supporting services are not available when needed, machines being found to require maintenance or repair that was not identified in the pre-move audit, and unexpected structural issues at the new site that affect machine placement. All of these are preventable through thorough pre-move planning.
How do you recommission a CNC machine after a factory relocation?
Recommissioning a CNC machine after a factory relocation involves verifying the machine’s level and alignment on its new foundation, reconnecting electrical supply, compressed air, coolant, and any other services, restoring the machine’s parameters and programs (which should have been backed up before the move), running the machine through its axes and spindle checks without a workpiece, then performing test cuts to verify dimensional accuracy. For high-precision machines, a formal geometric accuracy check using a ballbar or laser tracker may be required before the machine is released for production.