Testimonials
“I am very happy with the layout that you put together for us. We are filling up the western side of the building's office space with a design company, a music company and a large format output device. We are going to be rebranding as the COT Media Group later this month. We now need to refine a few Standard Operating procedures to maximize the work flow. Things however are dramatically improved with the new layout. I will keep you posted and please feel free to have anyone contact me for a reference.”
Nigel Worme
Managing Director
COT Caribbean Graphics
Articles
NAPL Production Management; Special Report
Tips for Successful Relocation, Expansion, and Renovation
By Hal Ettinger
- Planning should include critical review of existing plant layout, current, and anticipated needs. The money invested in planning and layout design now is earned back later many times over by savings in plant efficiencies, and energy and maintenance reductions.
- Take full advantage of the construction marketplace. Obtain best value for dollars spent on construction, selection of contractor(s), or building schedules.
- Begin your upgrade of the existing facility, renovation, or expansion with complete and accurate drawings. This will help avoid construction cost overruns and expensive delays later.
- Get input from managers and supervisors. Company-wide participation can reveal alternatives that can lead to better plant efficiencies, and encourage buy-in.
- Never underestimate the importance of the building's appearance. The impression the building makes on customers can provide a considerable marketing advantage; the impression on employees can affect morale.
- Don't forget to take advantage of contemporary construction methods and materials. Pay attention to construction costs now so plant maintenance costs later are not greater than need be.
- Make your design flexible enough to take full advantage of new equipment an changes in technology. Avoid early obsolescence, materials handling nightmares, and less than optimal output by production equipment purchased in the future.
- Hire a project manager. Many printers make the mistake of trying to do it all. You do your job; let a project manager do his or hers.
