You’re running out of space in your manufacturing plant, and you need to find a way to maximize the space you have. The problem with maximizing space is that it can be expensive and time-consuming. You might have to knock down walls, install new equipment, or move your entire operation.
With our guide, you can make the most of the space you already have. Use these tips and tricks to get more out of your current setup.
Customize any new equipment to fit your space
Customizing equipment in your manufacturing plant is a great way to maximize space. But, of course, it’ll be expensive to go back and try to customize any of the old equipment in your plant. Although, if you decide to buy new ones, ask the builders to do measurements.
For example, self-dumping hoppers can be customized to fit your plant’s space and business needs. By doing this, you can ensure that your hoppers can optimally utilize the space in your facility.
Also, customizing your equipment can help you reduce the overall footprint of your manufacturing operation. As a result, customizing all new equipment in your manufacturing plant effectively maximizes space and efficiency.
Make your aisles narrower
When it comes to making the most of your manufacturing plant floor space, every inch counts. Unfortunately, aisles are often one of the biggest wasted spaces in a facility, but you can reclaim valuable square footage by narrowing them.
Narrow aisles also help to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. In addition, they make it easier for employees to reach materials and equipment, improving productivity. So when redesigning your plant layout, consider aisle width to maximize the use of your floor space.
Don’t build outwards
When planning to expand your manufacturing plant, you may be tempted to build outwards to gain more space. However, this can save valuable space and resources. Therefore, it is much more efficient to build upwards instead.
Adding another level to your building allows you to use the vertical space that would otherwise be wasted. This will help you maximize the use of your available land and resources while still providing ample room for your manufacturing process.
In addition, building upwards can also help to increase the safety and security of your plant. By locating critical components and machinery above ground level, you can protect them from flooding or other damage that might occur if they were at ground level.
Implement lean manufacturing principles in your plant layout
You can apply the principles of lean manufacturing can to many aspects of a business, from production to office work. One area where lean principles can be beneficial is a factory layout.
A well-designed plant layout takes advantage of the available space and ensures that the product flows smoothly from one station to the next. This not only helps to reduce wasted motion and improve productivity, but it can also help to maximize space.
In many cases, a lean plant layout can help a fiberglass grating manufacturer use up to 75% less floor space than a traditional layout. As a result, adopting lean manufacturing principles can effectively maximize space in your plant.
Organize unused storage and shelves
Storage and shelves are vital components in any plant to maintain an effective and efficient workspace. However, when these areas are cluttered and unorganized, it can lead to a decrease in productivity and an increase in safety hazards.
By taking the time to organize your storage and shelves, you can help to maximize the space in your plant. This will create a more efficient workflow and help to reduce the risk of accidents.
In addition, a well-organized plant will be easier to clean and maintain, ensuring that it remains a safe and healthy environment for your employees. Therefore, organizing your storage and shelves is essential to creating a successful plant.
Create a new material handling system
A new material handling system can help to optimize the space in your plant and improve the efficiency of your operation. By carefully assessing your current layout and identifying areas of improvement, you can design a system that will better use the available space.
In addition, by incorporating the latest technology into your system, you can automate many of the tasks currently being performed manually. This will free up your employees to focus on other tasks, and it will also help to reduce the risk of errors.
A new material handling system can be a valuable asset for any business. By working with an experienced contractor, you can ensure that it meets your specific needs.
Final thoughts
By following the tips in this blog post, you can make the most of the space in your manufacturing plant. In addition, you can create a productive environment for your team by efficiently managing your layout and storage.
Also, don’t be afraid to think outside the box with your layout and storage. Your creativity may save you money and space within your manufacturing plant.
For more help maximizing the space in your manufacturing plant without increasing labor costs or compromising the health and safety of your workers, please see the infographic below.
Provided by Atlantic Pacific Equipment – providing scaffolding services for your business.
