Where do you start with the heavy machinery relocation process?

Heavy machinery relocation consists of so much more than ‘just’ picking up and moving big pieces of kit from one place to another. These machines are often incredibly delicate, and are depended upon for the ongoing operation of complex manufacturing processes.

As a result, heavy machinery relocation has to involve taking care of a whole range of factors, from the safe, efficient moving of these behemoths, to a plan that minimises the disruption that the move has on the organisation’s ability to operate as normal. If you’re overwhelmed and not sure where to start, then read on for this conceptual introduction.

Assess the scope of the move

First of all, you’ll need to generally assess the scope of the move, and set some basic priorities. 

Ask yourself some basic questions – must your whole operation from one location to another at once? Is it acceptable to have some operational downtime, or will you try to keep this to an absolute minimum (for example, by staggering the move)? 

Setting these priorities early on makes it easier and quicker to plan the details that come later, and it’s a good idea to get clear on them as soon as possible.

Gather data

Once you know the more general goals and scope of the move, you can start collecting more precise information. You’ll need to assess the precise size and weight of each machine that needs to be moved, its centre of gravity and locate any lifting points.

You’ll also need to measure the doors and corridors that these machines need to be transported through, paying special attention to any height or width restrictions; these can have an impact on the lifting and moving technologies that you need to use later on.

Find a relocation specialist

In pretty much all situations, you will need to use a heavy machinery relocation specialist like AIS Vanguard to help you with the move. These kinds of services have access to the right tools, cranes, jacks and lorries to move pretty much any item, safely, from one place to another. Or consider storage solutions such those from Storeplan pallet racking systems

Together, you’ll be able to come up with a detailed plan to take care of the move. This will include everything from health and safety documentation to communication plans – multiple stakeholders will need to be involved throughout this process, and the plan will need to be fluid and adaptable as circumstances almost inevitably change.

Insurance & paperwork

There is always the possibility that something will go wrong, and you want to be covered in these situations. Make sure that you have the right specialist insurance premium in place, and that your move is compliant with the likely highly specific list of stipulations. 

Taking care of a heavy machinery move is a complex, multifaceted task, and it’s not something that can be left to the last minute. Make sure that you take each stage of the planning and execution process seriously, and engage the assistance of a specialist relocation service as soon as reasonably possible.

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