Beneath the Hard Hat
C.D. Smith Company Blog

Building an Operations + Maintenance Mindset for Industrial Construction

Date: Feb 28, 2025 9:33:15 AM | Author: Molly Haack

The Benefits of an Operations + Maintenance Mindset

An operations and maintenance background in industrial construction offers significant advantages, particularly in design and construction advisory roles. This expertise ensures a comprehensive understanding of the day-to-day operations within a manufacturing environment, leading to more practical and efficient design solutions.

Involvement in preconstruction facility assessments, addressing needs and wants, and having a voice in construction decisions can be critical. 

Green Bay Packaging Folding Carton Facility Industrial Interior in De Pere Wisconsin built by CD Smith Construction

CONSIDER

Designing with Maintenance in Mind

Allow ample space around machinery, facilitating easier access during maintenance and reducing downtime. For instance, place HVAC units in accessible locations with adequate clearance to simplify routine maintenance tasks.

Woman cleaning milk holding tanks at Center for Dairy Research CDR UW-Madison Babcock Hall

Knowledge of Operational Energy

Incorporating energy-saving technologies and practices, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient motors, and insulation, can lower operating costs and environmental impact. Implementing smart building systems that adjust energy consumption based on use and occupancy can lead to significant cost savings.

Insight into Daily Tasks

Designing ergonomic workspaces and implementing safety features improves worker comfort and reduces the risk of strain injuries and accidents. Non-slip flooring and strategically placed emergency exits enhance workplace safety.

Research lab technicians working at UW-Madison Babcock Hall Center for Dairy Research Plant in Wisconsin building CD Smith

Downtime Minimization

By understanding the critical points in the production process, designs can include redundancy for crucial systems, such as dual power supplies or backup machinery, to ensure continuous operation, even during maintenance or unexpected failures.

Waste Reduction

Designing systems with waste management in mind, such as incorporating recycling stations or optimizing material use, can reduce production waste, lower disposal costs, and minimize environmental impact.

Mercury Marine Technical Center Manufacturing Testing Building Construction Manager Commercial Project General Contractor

Compliance and Standards

An operations and maintenance mindset ensures that designs comply with industry standards and regulations, such as OSHA guidelines for safety or ISO standards for quality management.

Familiarity with Manufacturing Processes

Recognizing opportunities for process improvements during the design phase will enhance productivity and efficiency.

HERO-J.W.-Speaker-Engineered-Lighting-Industrial-Manufacturing-Building-Facilities-Construction-Management-Commercial-Project-018

Your facility is the backbone of your manufacturing or food processing operation. To ensure it supports your goals for growth and innovation, choose a construction partner with an operations and maintenance background and mindset—someone who values collaboration, understands your industry and prioritizes long-term success. This expertise can help reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability. Together, we can build a facility that sets new standards for quality and operational excellence.

Explore how custom design and construction can transform your facility: Visit our custom construction solutions page or cdsmith.com/industrial to learn more about optimizing workflows and driving success in your manufacturing or food processing operation.

Date: Fall 2024 | Author: Molly Haack

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