Is your company planning to move machinery to a new location? If so, proper preparation is essential. By outsourcing the relocation to a professional company, you don’t need to know every technical detail, but understanding the key stages and requirements will help. Learn what machine relocation entails and how to ensure a smooth process.
Scope of machine relocation services
Those unfamiliar with machine relocation often mistakenly equate it with oversized transportation. However, relocation involves much more. The ultimate goal is not just moving the equipment but fully preparing the facility for resumed operations at the new location. A professional machine relocation service includes:
Disassembly of machines and securing individual parts for transport,
Loading onto specialized transport vehicles,
Safe transportation according to a carefully planned logistics schedule,
Unloading and reassembly at the destination,
Connecting machines to essential utilities (electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics, etc.),
Trial operation and functional testing to ensure proper performance.
Additionally, companies specializing in machine relocation handle all necessary paperwork. This includes preparing a detailed schedule, technical documentation, and coordinating logistics for a seamless transition.
Can machine relocation be done independently?
While it’s possible to attempt relocation with in-house resources, in practice, it requires advanced technical knowledge and specialized equipment. Beyond standard transport vehicles, essential tools include cranes, lifts, and transport trolleys. The process also requires experts in various fields, such as mechanics, electricians, hydraulic specialists, automation engineers, and drivers experienced in handling specialized loads.
DIY relocation increases the risk of errors, potentially leading to equipment damage or prolonged production downtime. This is why hiring professionals with the right expertise and equipment is the safest and most efficient option.
How iong does machine relocation take?
The duration depends on the project’s scale. Moving a single machine can take just a few days, while relocating an entire production line may require weeks or even months of preparation. Key planning steps include:
Technical analysis of machinery and infrastructure,
Preparation of documentation and permits (such as those for oversized transport),
Organization of transport and assembly equipment.
With proper planning, production in the new location can resume as quickly as possible.
What types of machines can be relocated?
Machine relocation services cover a wide range of equipment, from small machines that fit in standard transport vehicles to large industrial machinery requiring specialized transportation. Commonly relocated equipment includes:
CNC machines and industrial lathes,
Hydraulic and mechanical presses,
Production and assembly lines,
Industrial furnaces and casting machines,
Plastic processing equipment.
Each relocation requires a tailored approach, considering both technical and logistical factors.
Does machine relocation require halting production?
Professional relocation companies aim to minimize disruptions to operations. If only a single machine is being moved, production can often continue on the remaining equipment. To ensure safety, designated work zones are marked with warning tape or protective barriers.
Facility employees should exercise caution and avoid interfering in the relocation area. With proper planning, lengthy downtimes can be avoided, ensuring a swift return to full operational capacity.
Is machine relocation available for small businesses?
Relocation services aren’t just for large industrial plants. Small businesses that need to move individual machines can also benefit from professional relocation support. The cost of relocation depends on the project’s scope, making it accessible even for companies with limited budgets.
Additional considerations for machine relocation
When planning a relocation, it's essential to consider:
Insurance coverage – financial protection against potential equipment damage,
Adapting the new location – ensuring proper conditions for machine installation,
Optimizing machine placement – improving production efficiency through better equipment layout.
A well-planned machine relocation is not just about transport and assembly—it’s an opportunity to enhance production efficiency in a new location.