Industrial Factory Layout & Design: Insights & Considerations
A smart factory layout is critical for optimising manufacturing operations, impacting productivity, efficiency, and employee satisfaction. Careful planning of every design aspect, from machinery placement to material and worker flow, ensures seamless operations.
This guide explores various types of factory layouts, highlighting their unique advantages. Understanding these layouts will help align your space with production goals and future growth plans, whether starting a new facility or improving an existing steel workshop building.
Types of Factory Layouts
Selecting the optimal factory layout and design depends on the nature of your products, production volume, space availability, and future growth plans. Here is an overview of common factory layouts used today.
Process-Oriented Layout
A process-oriented layout will group similar processes or machines together. Ideal for factories producing various products with different processing steps, this layout is highly adaptable to changes in product design or production volume.
Cellular Layout
A cellular layout organises the factory into small, self-contained units or cells, each dedicated to specific tasks or products. This layout often streamlines material flow within cells, often using U-shaped or L-shaped designs, reducing transit times and bottlenecks.
Fixed-Position Layout
In a fixed-position layout, the product remains stationary while workers and equipment move to it. Typically used for large or heavy products, it minimises the need to transport bulky items and allows for high levels of customisation.
Product-Oriented Layout
A product-oriented, or assembly line, layout arranges workstations in a linear sequence based on the production process. Commonly used for mass production of identical or similar products, it ensures a smooth, continuous flow, minimising delays and downtime.
Combination (Hybrid) Layout
A combination, or hybrid, layout integrates elements of different layout types to meet specific production needs. This layout optimises space, material flow, and worker movement, providing flexibility and efficiency.
Key Considerations in Factory Design
Space planning
Effective space planning ensures smooth and efficient factory operations. Wide aisles and clear pathways allow for easy movement of personnel and equipment, reducing the risk of collisions and falls. Coresteel’s flexible structural systems can help you achieve this. By eliminating obstructions like centrepoles and braces with Coresteel’s structures, our solutions create a safer and more efficient workspace, ultimately enhancing overall productivity.
Workflow Optimisation
Optimising workflow is crucial to maintaining productivity and efficiency in a factory setting. Consider the sequence of operations and the positioning of workstations to minimise unnecessary movement. This not only speeds up production but also reduces fatigue among workers. Coresteel’s customisable layouts allow for strategic placement of machinery and work areas, promoting a logical and efficient workflow.
Employee Safety
Worker safety should always be a priority in any industrial or commercial environment. You can plan for worker safety in the design and construction phase.
The first step is to choose durable, strong materials for your factory building. A robust steel structure will keep your employees safe in the harshest weather, from strong winds and hail to seismic activity. At Coresteel, we use steel in all our builds to ensure optimum durability and strength.
Next, consider incorporating advanced safety features such as fire-resistant materials, proper ventilation systems, and reliable electrical wiring. These elements can help prevent accidents and ensure a healthy working environment.
Environmental Impact
We all have the responsibility to minimise our environmental impact. Prioritising sustainability in the construction process can ensure your business contributes positively to the environment.
At Coresteel, we work hard to maintain an eco-conscious mindset at every stage of construction. DonoBeam’s innovative tapered design reduces carbon emissions by up to 40%, making it a sustainable choice for your factory building needs.
Once your building is up and running, you can continue mitigating your business’s environmental impact by implementing energy-efficient equipment and systems, comprehensive waste management practices, or water-efficient processes.
Future-Proofing
No matter what industry you’re in, future-proofing your business is essential for long-term success because it ensures your operations remain efficient, competitive, and capable of meeting future demands. To achieve this in your factory design, focus on scalability and flexible layouts.
Design the factory with future expansions in mind, such as provisions for additional floors, extended wings, or adjacent buildings. This foresight allows for seamless growth and adaptation to increased production needs without significant disruptions or costly overhauls. With Coresteel, our designs are flexible and offer a straightforward approach to any future expansion.
Unlock the Potential of Your Factory with Coresteel
Ready to optimise your factory layout and design? Coresteel’s innovative approach to steel building construction provides the flexibility and durability needed to support your business’s growth and success. Contact our team today to discuss how our bespoke steel building methods can help you achieve the perfect layout for your manufacturing needs.