New Industrial Units: Why the M&E Fit Out Is Key to Getting Production Moving

For manufacturers expanding into new premises, securing the building is often only the first stage of the project. Turning an empty industrial unit into a fully operational production facility can require a significant programme of work before the first piece of machinery is switched on.

As businesses invest in larger facilities, increased production capacity and more automated processes, the mechanical and electrical infrastructure behind a new site is becoming an increasingly important part of the move.

An Empty Unit Is Just the Starting Point

A new industrial building may provide the required floor space, access and location, but the existing services rarely match the exact requirements of the incoming business.

Production layouts need to be established, machinery locations confirmed and the electrical demand of the new facility understood. From there, the required M&E infrastructure can be developed around how the building will operate.

A full industrial fit out can involve:

• LV switchgear and electrical distribution
• MCCBs, section boards and distribution boards
• Submains and large power cabling
• Machinery and production line supplies
• Industrial LED and emergency lighting
• Small power and data infrastructure
• Cable containment systems
• HVAC and ventilation
• Extraction systems
• Compressed air
• Mechanical pipework
• Plumbing and water services
• Control and automation systems
• EV charging and Solar PV

For a manufacturing business, these aren’t simply building services – they’re the infrastructure that allows production to happen.

Coordination Is Becoming Increasingly Important

One of the biggest challenges with a new factory or industrial fit out is bringing all these services together.

Electrical containment, ductwork, pipework, lighting and production equipment all need to occupy the same building. If each element is considered separately, clashes or alterations later in the programme can become more likely.

This is why a turnkey M&E fit out can be particularly valuable on new industrial facilities. Electrical and mechanical requirements can be coordinated around the building layout, machinery positions and planned production process from the outset.

It also creates an opportunity to consider the future. Additional electrical capacity, spare distribution ways and routes for future services can be incorporated before the facility becomes operational.

From Empty Shell to Production

Timescales are another major consideration. Machinery deliveries, lease dates, production targets and customer commitments can all put pressure on the programme for a new facility.

Getting the M&E infrastructure right early in the project can help create a smoother route from empty industrial unit to operational manufacturing facility.

At QUEST Electrical, this is an area we’re continuing to develop through our turnkey Industrial M&E Fit Out Services, bringing together our industrial electrical expertise with coordinated mechanical services.

With 31 engineers and experience delivering LV distribution, large power, lighting, machinery supplies, automation and complex industrial installations, we’re able to support businesses taking on new premises and preparing them for the next stage of production.

For us, the objective is straightforward: help turn an empty building into a facility that’s ready to work.

Find out more about our Industrial M&E Fit Out Services, or download the QUEST Industrial M&E Fit Out Technical Guide.