Moving expensive factory equipment - What do you start?

Relocating heavy, high-value machinery isn’t like moving a few desks or filing cabinets. One wrong move can cost tens of thousands in repairs, weeks of lost production, or worse, a serious and likely avoidable injury on the shop floor. 

So the first question most managers ask is: Where do you even begin with these kinds of processes? The answer can’t be summed up in a simple checklist; it consists of a series of steps that shape the move long before you’ve actually picked up a machine.

Assess the situation

Start with the basics. What is it that actually needs to be moved, how big are each of the machines, and where are they all going to go? It might sound obvious, but too many projects skip this step and dive straight into hiring moving gear. Every machine is different -  a CNC lathe just won’t move the same way a bottling line does.

Measurements matter a lot as well. Height, weight, and shape all affect what lifting gear or transport you’ll need. Access routes also come into play: doors, floor loads, and even ceiling height.

Build the right team

Moving expensive equipment isn’t a one-person task. It typically requires a combination of in-house staff and external specialists, such as AIS Vanguard. Operators know their machines best, and they’ll point out fragile parts or quirks, while external rigging crews bring the lifting expertise. Often, a shop floor engineer will also need to be on hand to supervise disconnects and reinstallation.

Without a coordinated team, details slip and mistakes happen. And it’s the small oversights - forgetting a utility shut-off, missing a floor weight limit - that often end up causing the biggest headaches.

Survey the route

The journey matters just as much as picking up the machine. Is the path clear from the machine’s current position to the vehicle it needs to be loaded onto? Are there obstacles that need to be cleared?

A site survey can be a little annoying to do thoroughly, but it’s essential. Walking the path before moving day avoids having to backtrack when a load gets stuck halfway down a corridor in a tight bend, ultimately saving you a lot of time.

Prepare the machine itself

Machines aren’t meant to be bounced around. Securing moving parts, draining fluids, and locking down or even completely removing delicate sections prevent damage in transit. For some, partial disassembly is the only option.

Skipping this prep can turn a working machine into an expensive repair job, or even something that needs to be disposed of. It takes time, but it’s cheaper than replacing broken components after the move.

Lifting and transport

Choosing the right lifting gear is another starting point. There is a wide range of options, including forklifts, skates, pumps, and cranes, and which of these is right depends on variables such as the size and weight of the equipment and the layout of the site.

So, where do you start? With a thorough planning process, not with the move. Properly take care of the issues outlined above before the first lift, and the actual moving of your factory equipment should become the easy part.

FAQ: Moving Expensive Factory Equipment

1) How do we keep production running while we move?

Plan it like a relay, not a shutdown.

• Split the move into phases and use nights/weekends where you can.
  
  
• Pre-stage tools, fixings, and utilities at the new spot.
  
  
• Do a small “trial move” first to test timing and hand-offs.
  
  
• Build a buffer of finished goods so customers don’t feel the switch.
  
  

2) What paperwork and protection do we need in place?

Get the safety and legal basics locked before day one.

• Written method statement and risk assessment (RAMS).
  
  
• Lifting plan and any required permits.
  
  
• Floor load confirmations for staging areas.
  
  
• Certificates of insurance that match your contract (and name you as additional insured if needed).
  
  

3) How do we choose the right rigging partner?

Give vendors what they need to quote properly—and compare apples to apples.

• Issue a tidy RFP: weights/COG, lift points, route drawings, utility scope, OEM involvement, and who owns damage risk at each step.
  
  
• Ask for recent, similar project references and a site walk.
  
  
• Confirm roles on move day: who signals, who signs off, and what “done” looks like.
  
  

4) How do we protect programs, calibration, and warranties?

Treat data and settings like critical spare parts.

• Back up PLC/CNC/robot programs and parameters (and verify the backups).
  
  
• Save current calibration certificates, leveling data, and photos of setups.
  
  
• If warranty rules require it, involve the OEM for de-install/re-install and commissioning.
  
  

5) What should our post-move commissioning checklist include?

Prove it’s safe, aligned, and making good parts—then document it.

• Leveling/alignment, utilities, lubricants, and guards/interlocks.
  
  
• Dry runs → first article runs → QA sign-off.
  
  
• Update as-builts, asset IDs/locations, maintenance schedules, and operator training notes.