7 Questions Every Manufacturer Should Ask Before a Facility Move

Relocating a manufacturing facility is one of the most complex, risk-heavy undertakings an industrial team can face.
It’s not just about moving equipment, it’s about safeguarding uptime, capital investments, safety, and production continuity.

Here are 7 critical questions every manufacturer should ask before starting the move:

1. What’s at risk if this move goes wrong?

Is it cost? Production downtime? Safety? Reputation?
Understanding your risk profile will determine how to plan, staff, and prioritize.

2. What equipment is non-negotiable for startup?

Some assets are critical-path. Others can wait.
Knowing what needs to be fully operational, and when, will define your entire relocation timeline.

3. Who owns coordination across trades and departments?

A move isn’t just rigging and trucking.
It touches utilities, safety, IT, controls, structural work, and more.
Who’s quarterbacking the plan?

4. What are the access challenges at the origin and destination?

Can heavy equipment even exit or enter without major disruption?
Clearances, staging areas, floor loads — they all affect safety and timing.

5. Have we accounted for utility disconnection/reconnection?

Electrical, compressed air, water, gas, data — these all need proper isolation, reinstallation, and testing.
Skipping this step creates delays and risk.

6. What safety risks do we introduce by relocating?

Are you still operating while moving?
Are outside crews working in live areas?
Every step of the move should be planned with a safety-first lens.

7. Do we have a relocation partner, or just a mover?

This isn’t a job for a vendor.
You need a team that understands risk, planning, utilities, and plant operations, not just how to lift something heavy.

Don’t start without a plan. Don’t plan without the right partner.

Henke has relocated 100+ facilities safely, efficiently, and without surprises.
These questions save time, money, and headaches… Just ask them early.