Expanding or relocating manufacturing across the border offers significant advantages, but choosing the right plant relocation services to Mexico can have a significant impact on safety, damage protection, and potential downtime of operations. One of the first decisions manufacturers need to make is whether to hire separate contractors in the United States and Mexico or to partner with a turnkey contractor that can manage the entire relocation from planning to commissioning support.
While both approaches are possible, using a contractor that is experienced in working on both sides of the border often leads to better coordination, fewer risks, and less downtime throughout the move. Here are the reasons why:
Using One System Reduces Errors
As much as the logistics industry follows certain standard operating procedures, an end-to-end solution will have its own system of equipment labeling, inventory management, and loading sequences that leave little to no room for error.
Meanwhile, when customs coordination, transportation and arrival scheduling can be done under one roof, the staging and final positioning of industrial machinery can be well coordinated in case of unexpected delays.
One Contractor Means One Project Plan from Start to Finish
For the manufacturer, this means having to deal with only one point of contact rather than coordinating with multiple vendors. One project plan means the relocation follows a single timeline rather than multiple overlapping ones.
Rigging and millwright work is done by a single integrated team, meaning the same team that positions the machinery and equipment is also in charge of alignment, anchoring, and verification. This brings us to our next advantage.
When everything is in one contract, there can be no conflicts or overlaps.
Better Accountability Throughout the Relocation
No handoffs between trades means no finger-pointing. No gaps in accountability. With two contractors and a logistics company in the middle, each party may blame the other for equipment damages, missing components and other installation issues leading to delays and extra costs.
One qualified partner can own the entire project and take full responsibility for plant relocation services to Mexico. If something does go wrong, problems are resolved more quickly since there is no question of who should take responsibility.
Conclusion
Relocating a manufacturing plant across international borders is a complex undertaking that hinges on careful planning, clear communication, and precise execution. While hiring separate contractors for the United States and Mexico may seem like a practical option, it may introduce unnecessary challenges, leading to delays and extra costs.
Working with a single industrial contractor, instead, streamlines every stage of the relocation from decommissioning of equipment at your current facility to installing and commissioning support at your new plant in Mexico. That way, you can focus on your core business processes instead of becoming distracted by the details.
If you’re looking for an experienced partner to provide comprehensive plant relocation services to Mexico, visit AKIC.us or call 501-268-7827 to set up an appointment. With over 45 years in mission-critical environments, AK Industrial can provide a turnkey solution with a single expert team.