It’s no secret that electronics are a big part of the modern world we live in. Without them, most of the gadgets we use today would not function! It’s also a well-known fact that many of our electronic products get built in the Far East.
It seems that, these days, electronics manufacturing is making a comeback to the Western world. Evidence of this is plain to see when one looks at China’s spiralling export market, for example. Are you planning to start making electronic products in the West? If so, you might be wondering how to proceed.
Determine your requirements
Before you do anything, the first thing you need to do is think about what you need in your plant. It is crucial that you plan everything well before you proceed, else you could end up making a costly mistake!
Some of the considerations to make include:
- Area – how large (or small) does your production facility need to be?
- Expansion – if you want to increase your plant size in the future, will there be much scope to do so?
- Access – how easy is it for employees, visitors and delivery trucks to get there?
- Environment – are there any restrictions on what you can do because of the area around your proposed site?
Build or buy?
The next thing to consider is whether you should build your plant from scratch or take over an existing one? Both options have their pros and cons; let’s walk through what they are.
Building a brand new plant means you can design the factory according to your specifications. You can also choose the machines and equipment you need. The downside is you’ll have to apply for various building permits. Not to mention you’ll need to arrange for mains electricity, gas, and water supplies.
If you buy an existing one, there will almost certainly be significant cost savings. All the infrastructure is already in place, and it’s just a matter of “switching the lights on” so to speak. Some factories could get bought from banks if they got repossessed from bankrupt companies.
One thing to bear in mind when buying an existing electronics plant is maintenance. You won’t know what condition the machines are in. Jim from Statewide Bearings says that machines and conveyors will need an overhaul before they can get used. That also means friction surfaces will need lubricating. And, of course, some items might need new bearings.
Permits and regulations
When you set up a new electronics plant, it’s important to check what permits you need and regulations that must be adhered. After all; the last thing your business wants to do is fall afoul of the law!
Sometimes it can take months to cut through any “red tape” before you get the green light. As you can imagine, permission seldom gets given quickly! That’s why it’s important to plan ahead before you begin the construction or setup of your new plant.
Well, I hope this rough guide has given you an insight into setting up a new electronics plant. Thanks for reading!
