Pay attention to the manufacturing plant design

Having a good manufacturing plant design can mean the success of not only the construction of the manufacturing plant, but the business as well. Take into consideration the use of space and how you will heat and cool the building (especially if you're in a warmer part of the country).

I recommend: An architectural firm that works worldwide is Arup, which helped design manufacturing plants for Toyota, or Grimshaw Architects, which was one of the first of the major architect firms to meet the "ISO 1400 environmental management system standard.” Firms like these can help provide the manufacturing plant design from which the construction of the manufacturing plant can come.

Taking the first step in choosing the general contractor for plant construction

It is a good practice to require that each manufacturing plant construction company provide not only references, but a portfolio of past projects. Make a point to speak to the references provided so that you can learn more about the manufacturing plant construction management style, their business practices and whether the general contractor was able to stay on schedule as well as within the projected budget of the manufacturing facility construction.

I recommend: Companies like Turner Construction, Fluor and AECON are examples of a manufacturing plant builder from which to choose.

Tour past projects of manufacturing plant contractors

By going to past projects of the general contractor for the plant construction, you can gauge the quality of the construction, the attention to detail, as well as the quality of the building materials used. If need be, you can take a consultant in the form of manufacturing and construction builders to help you look beneath the "lipstick and rouge" at the true "bones" of the building. You want a building that will last and withstand the rigors of time, as well as function well into the future without being outdated with a few years after it was built.

I recommend: Projects like the Ford Rouge Dearborn Truck Plant with its Green roof, done by William McDonough + Partners and The Waldinger with its Omaha World Herald project are examples of sites worth exploring.