Building Out Custom Industrial Space: What You Need to Know

If you’ve outgrown your industrial facility, or space limitations are causing frustration and hampering production, it may be time to consider building new custom space. Custom industrial space that’s tailored to your needs can be a game-changer in helping you maximize productivity and efficiency. Let’s explore the key factors you need to know.

Who Needs Custom Industrial Space?

Nearly any company in every industry could benefit from building custom industrial space in their facility. Whether you’re relocating to a new facility or want to make better use of your current one, a custom build takes into account your needs and goals, incorporating a layout and features that are specifically designed to get you there.

For example, when companies move to a new facility, they’re often looking to increase production space while adding ample office space. With the right planning and skilled execution, an experienced industrial contracting company, like Lee Industrial Contracting, can help strike the right balance between the two.

On the other hand, if relocation isn’t feasible or warranted, a business might need to make the most of its current space, which can be tricky if floor space is limited. As always, meticulous planning and creative thinking from an experienced industrial contractor can help overcome these obstacles.

Solutions like adding mezzanines or roof raises (capabilities that Lee Industrial Contracting specializes in) can provide more space without interrupting production lines. We’ve been able to give facilities much more square footage and room for equipment using these solutions.

Key Considerations for Custom Industrial Space

Any time we take on a custom build, we always start with gaining a strong understanding of your needs. Every business has unique requirements, so a number of considerations must be taken to ensure the space works for you.

Here are just a few examples of the custom spaces we’ve built for our industrial customers:

• Life safety walkways to ensure compliance and worker safety.
• Cell enclosures to house specialized production processes.
• Demising walls to separate production areas from office spaces or other parts of the building.
• Office areas for management and staff.
• Stockrooms
• Shipping and receiving areas
• Break rooms and employee lounges

No matter the project, we make sure every element of the space aligns with your goals and gives you a seamless flow between production and management.

What Plant Managers Should Know Before Building Custom Space

Before starting a custom build, the first step is to have a strong vision of your end goal. What do you want the space to achieve? How should operations change once the build is complete?

Once we know your end goal, we take it from there to devise a plan that checks all the boxes. Clear communication with your industrial contracting company from the outset is key to making sure the design will help you achieve your goals.

At Lee Contracting, we work closely with you from start to finish to optimize your industrial space. Since we have a vast array of industrial building capabilities in-house – including fabrication, rigging, electrical and pipefitting – we can plan and execute every aspect of the project for the most cost-effective solutions and streamlined processes.

Our 35+ years of experience help us guide clients through the process, ensuring everything meets your expectations while minimizing disruptions.

When Building Custom Space Might Not Be the Best Option

While a custom build can be highly beneficial, there are a couple of scenarios where it might not make sense to invest in custom industrial space.

For example, if your company is planning to relocate soon, building a custom space only to move within a short period may not be cost-effective. Or if you lease your building and the lease requires the space to be returned to its original condition, the cost of dismantling custom-built areas may outweigh the benefits.

However, if these caveats don’t apply, building out custom industrial space has the potential to significantly improve operations and enable your teams to work more efficiently.

Need help with a custom industrial build? Lee Contracting has the expertise to help you navigate the process and create a space that works for your business. Contact us today to learn more.