Reshoring and the Hidden Challenge of Equipment Relocation
Reshoring is accelerating. Across the U.S., manufacturers are investing billions to bring production back closer to their customers. From new facilities in Kentucky to expansions in Texas and the Midwest, reshoring is reshaping the industrial landscape.
But there’s a part of this story that rarely makes headlines: every reshoring investment requires equipment relocation. And if relocation isn’t planned with precision, downtime and risk can erode the very gains reshoring is meant to deliver.
Why Relocation Is the Bottleneck
Relocating complex equipment across sites — or across borders — isn’t simple. Risks include:
Utility delays: Power, air, and water not ready for install
Structural surprises: Floor loads and clearances that don’t match drawings
Restart failures: Missing alignment specs and sequencing gaps that stall startup
In many plants, downtime can cost $16,000 per hour or more. That means even small delays can translate into six-figure losses.
How Henke De-Risks Reshoring Moves
With 12+ years of experience, Henke Industrial specializes in preventing those exact surprises. Our process includes:
Comprehensive site walkthroughs to uncover risks early
Engineered lift and rigging plans for each machine
Utility disconnect/reconnect planning across sites
Restart-focused sequencing to minimize downtime
The Bigger Picture
Reshoring isn’t just about building facilities; it’s about ensuring those facilities come online safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Equipment relocation is the bridge between investment and production. Without careful planning, that bridge becomes a bottleneck.
At Henke, we help manufacturers turn reshoring projects into operational reality, protecting uptime, people, and capital every step of the way.
Planning a reshoring move? Talk to Henke: www.henkeindustrial.com | (859) 757-8080