Considerations for Building an Industrial Facility

Considerations for building industrial facilities have changed dramatically over the years, mostly due to advancements in technology and prioritizing safety, efficiency, and capacity. Whether it’s the construction of a new warehouse or manufacturing facility, there are numerous factors builders must keep in mind. From determining the appropriate plot of land to ensuring adequate ventilation, noise control, and industrial networking capabilities, here’s an inside look at today’s considerations for building an industrial facility.
Site
One of the most important considerations for industrial facilities is choosing the right site. Whether it’s an existing building or a vacant plot of land, determining where the facility will go is a critical step. Architects, engineers, and other important figures consider factors such as:

Budget

Proximity to expressways and utilities

Financial incentives such as tax credits, loans, and grants

Room for expansion

Logistics, including access to suppliers and customers

Local labor force

Environmental factors

Codes and regulations

Layout
Once the ideal site is chosen, determining the facility’s layout is key. The facility’s interior and exterior are taken into account when determining layout. Interior examples include the department locations, break and restrooms, and aisle length, width, and arrangement. Exterior layouts may include shipping and receiving, inbound and outbound access, and employee parking. Flow is critical when designing an industrial facility’s layout.
Lighting
Industrial facilities tend to take up enormous plots of land and require bright, adequate lighting. In addition to choosing electrical lighting, natural light is an important consideration for building an industrial facility. Natural light is proven to have many benefits on employees, making the incorporation of large windows and skylights ideal. When planning electrical lighting, facilities consider the types of lighting (LED are cost-effective and eco-friendly) and how easily bulbs can be replaced.
Height and Clearance
From permanent equipment to forklifts and semi-trailers, height and clearance is a critical factor for engineers and architects to consider. Warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities must have enough room to stack pallets and products, allow forklifts and other vehicles to move about safely, and receive semi-trailers.
Safety
Safety is a priority in industrial settings. Engineers ensure safety by incorporating industrial ventilation systems, noise-insulated rooms where employees can take breaks, and installing perfectly level flooring.
Networking
Modern industrial facilities are built with the Industrial Internet of Things, or IIoT, in mind. The IIoT allows warehouses and manufacturing plants to monitor processes, share and analyze data, and so much more. To ensure connectivity, new industrial facilities must be outfitted with industrial Ethernet. Industrial Ethernet is vastly different than regular Ethernet.