As some of the countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic begin to ease their economies out of lockdown conditions and talk turns to exit strategies, manufacturers also need to plan how to transition from shut-down to operational status.
For most, already practised in planning and managing annual maintenance shut-downs, there will be some protocols in place to ease the process. However, COVID-19 has been no ordinary shut-down; it has been unplanned and immediate and has involved unscheduled downtime rather than scheduled maintenance.
As a result, bringing manufacturing sites back to full production levels safely and efficiently may take additional planning and resources. AIS Vanguard’s expertise in planning and implementing manufacturing shut-downs, operational change and redeployment of assets means we’re ideally placed to help.
Overcoming Unpredictability
One of the key challenges of the COVID-19 period has been unpredictability. Not only did this cause confusion and operational challenges when the crisis began; it also risks causing delays and financial issues as we look forward to the recovery.
We cannot avoid unpredictability, but we can plan for it. Waiting for the recovery to happen before formulating a strategy for kick-starting production risks delays and unforeseen issues just at the point when there is greatest opportunity to capitalise on market demand. By planning now for recovery, manufacturers can ensure they are agile enough to respond quickly when restrictions are lifted. This includes phasing the re-opening of their facilities in line with key factors such as supply chain availability, production optimisation, market demand, logistics support and staffing levels.
At AIS Vanguard, our expertise lies not just in the ‘lifting and shifting’ elements of machinery decommissioning, relocation and installation, but also in a turnkey approach to project planning, management and implementation. Our strength lies in the capabilities of our experienced team across a wide array of manufacturing sectors, along with the pool of resources we can draw upon from the wider Ainscough Group. Based on this expertise, we can formulate a detailed plan, based around a critical path aligned to your commercial and operational objectives, to fast-track your return to full production capacity when the time is right.
Safe & Efficient Rollout
If your production facility has been mothballed during the pandemic, the chances are that machinery was switched off without the usual checks and maintenance regimes associated with a planned factory shut-down. Consequently, you may need to factor maintenance and condition checks into your recovery preparedness.
The commercial challenges brought about by the pandemic may also make it advisable to begin with a partial re-opening of your factory or an amalgamation of two or more sites in a single location.
If you need to restart production while social distancing guidance is still in place, you may need to reconfigure your facilities to allow operators to work safely during these challenging times.
Whatever your situation, our team can help to assess your needs, plan the project and implement it from start to finish, including dedicated project management, CDM management and QESH compliance. Our fully-integrated service ensures you benefit from a reactive and flexible approach, with cost-effective, safe and controlled transportation, lifting and shifting, and installation of machinery aligned to your needs and your timeline.
Ready for Recovery
COVID-19 is a global problem with consequences that will affect businesses and individuals around the world. Our aim is to help manufacturers to minimise the impact by providing flexible solutions and working collaboratively to offer an appropriate approach that’s expertly planned and delivered. We may not be able to make recovery happen immediately, but we can make sure we’re ready when it arrives.