Building Industrial Spaces that Get the Job Done:
Construction Considerations to Maximize Productivity

If you own or operate an industrial facility, you know that space matters. Industrial buildings – including warehouses, manufacturing plants and distribution centers – need the right space planned out in the right way. As a leader in design-build construction, we’ve helped business owners build smarter with pre-construction planning sessions that dive deeper into every aspect of a building’s use and functionality. If you’re in the preliminary stages of planning for a future industrial build, here are a few important considerations:

Build for Operational Efficiency

Efficient workflow is the backbone of any industrial building. Whether you’re packing and shipping product or building it from scratch, every facility needs to accommodate a unique workflow. When thinking through your operations, consider how your building can leverage efficiencies in design and construction:

  • Will you need a unique ceiling height to accommodate material storage or machinery?

  • How open will your floor plan need to be? Should you use construction techniques that minimize pillars and walls — or is some separation necessary?

  • How can you support your business workflow? Do you work in silos? Need production to flow in a linear fashion? How do people and your production line run?

  • What type and quantity of shipping bays do you need? Be sure to plan for unobstructed access so both trucks in your lot and forklifts in your facility don’t create bottlenecks.

  • What type of roofing and waterproofing should be used to assure your building stays watertight, protecting your property and equipment?

Consider the Infrastructure You’ll Need

Industrial buildings are more than concrete and steel. Their internal systems are critical for keeping your people and your equipment up and running. Your building’s infrastructure needs to be mapped out in a way that supports your workflow:

  • What type of ventilation does your facility need? Are fumes/dust a concern? Are high or low temperatures a potential problem? HVAC systems will assure comfort and safety for your workers. These systems may also be needed to climate control sensitive equipment or materials.

  • What equipment will you be running and what electrical infrastructure is needed to accommodate it?

  • How will you assure adequate lighting for safe and efficient work? Ambient lighting can be a combination of natural (ceiling lights) and artificial. What type of task lighting is needed – and where should it be placed?

  • What water sources are needed for daily operations as well as safety protocols (i.e., fire suppression, eye wash stations, etc)?

  • Do any of your electrical, lighting or HVAC systems need to be automated?

  • Is scalability important? Could you potentially add equipment or expand operations? Planning for additional power or space is always easier upfront.

Don’t Overlook Employee Safety & Quality of Work

In addition to protecting your property – your people’s health and wellness ties into increased productivity and employee retention. Planning for employee safety should factor into every stage of your build:

  • What materials can you use to promote sanitary conditions and allow for easy cleaning?

  • Where should meeting areas/training rooms/break areas/respite zones be housed?

  • Where are industrial accidents the biggest concern? Clean sight lines can help prevent or eliminate these.

  • What noise control or abatement considerations do you need to install?

  • How will your people pick materials or product? Can ergonomic solutions be employed? We recommend incorporating organizational elements – including racking systems — upfront as part of the design.

When it comes to industrial buildings – we’ve seen it all.

We offer complete design and construction services to help you achieve your goals and we do it cost effectively. Contact us today to learn more about the industrial facilities we’ve built over our nearly 70-year history.