Choosing the Best General Contractor for Your Manufacturing Facility

A well-constructed manufacturing facility is crucial for the success of any business. It provides the necessary infrastructure for production, storage, and distribution. When it comes to building or renovating a manufacturing facility, choosing the right general contractor is paramount.

Here's a guide to help you select the best partner for your project.

1. Experience and Expertise:

Look for a general contractor with experience in manufacturing facility construction. They should be familiar with the unique requirements and challenges of this industry, such as heavy machinery, specialized equipment, and compliance regulations.
Review the contractor's portfolio to assess their past projects. Look for examples of similar-sized and complexity projects to gauge their capabilities.
Ask for references from previous clients to get firsthand feedback on their work quality,communication, and project management skills.

Mark Harvey from Trussbilt stated, “As we began to manufacture this new product, we realized we had many space restraints; even with a 100,000 square foot building, most of the space was currently in use, so we knew we needed to expand.”
In September 2019, Trussbilt contacted Raeco Builders to discuss ideas on how to build an expansion. “Initially, we looked at expanding the existing building to 215 feet, which would add around 50,000 square feet. However, after pricing and reviewing our goals and needs, we realized we needed closer to 100,000 feet to make this expansion worthwhile,” stated Mark Harvey.
Trussbilt went back to Tom Jurgens and Raeco to share the updated goals, and Raeco went to work to figure out how to get this done. Raeco presented the idea of creating a new building and connecting it to the existing building, instead of expanding on the old structure. This alternative building proposal allowed for the new larger building and would utilize Trussbilt's land to the fullest potential.
No one else had brought this idea to the table. Raeco Builders was selected as the general contractor on the project, and ground broke in 2020.
"We (Trussbilt) were super happy with the solution Tom and Raeco delivered, not only meeting our building size goals but also maximizing the footprint on our property. We have fully utilized the 12 acres of land, and our entire operation is under one roof," stated Mark Harvey.

2. Licensing and Insurance:

Licensing: Ensure the general contractor is licensed to operate in your state or region. This indicates they have met the necessary qualifications and standards.
Insurance: Verify that the contractor carries adequate liability insurance to protect your business in case of accidents or property damage.

3. Project Management:

Communication: Effective communication is key to a successful project. The general contractor should be responsive, transparent, and provide regular updates on project progress.
Planning and scheduling: A well-planned project ensures timely completion and minimizes disruptions. Inquire about their project management methodologies and tools.
Risk management: Discuss how the contractor plans to identify and mitigate potential risks throughout the project.

4. Subcontractors:

Quality control: Ask about the contractor's subcontractor selection process. They should have a network of reliable and qualified subcontractors to ensure the quality of work.
Relationships: Strong relationships between the general contractor and subcontractors can lead to smoother project execution.

5. Budget and Timeline:

Cost estimates: Obtain detailed cost estimates, including breakdowns of labor, materials, and overhead costs.
Timeline: Discuss the expected project timeline and any potential factors that could affect completion dates.
Contingency planning: Ask about the contractor's contingency plans for unexpected delays or cost overruns.

6. Safety and Compliance:

Safety record: Inquire about the contractor's safety record and any accidents or incidents.
Compliance: Ensure the contractor is familiar with local building codes, environmental regulations, and industry-specific standards.

7. Cultural Fit:

Values and ethics: Look for a contractor whose values align with your business. This can contribute to a positive and collaborative working relationship.
Communication style: Consider if the contractor's communication style and approach match your preferences.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a general contractor that will deliver a high-quality manufacturing facility, meet your project goals, and contribute to the long-term success of your business.

Raeco Builders is one of the most respected companies, and were recently named one of the Top Metal Builders.

Contact Raeco today to start constructing your metal building. We can help you design and construct a metal building to suit your specific needs.