Moving machines within your factory: this is how you do it

Moving a machine within your factory is exciting: you want to improve the layout or increase capacity, but without unnecessary downtime or safety risks. In this guide, you can read step-by-step how to prepare and carry out an internal machine transfer. You will receive practical checklists, a clear explanation of rules and standards, and practical tips from Pol Industrial Movements. This way, you can control planning, costs and safety.

What is internal machinery movement and why should you choose it?

Internal machine movement is the movement or repositioning of machines and production lines within the same building or plant site. Reasons are often: layout optimization, extra capacity, new safety routes or the arrival of a new line. In contrast to a complete factory relocation, the supply chain remains largely intact, but the impact on safety and planning is still significant. Would you like to see how a total partner directs such a process? Read more at Industrial removals.

How do you prepare for an internal machine transfer?

Good preparation determines 80% of success. You prevent surprises, reduce downtime and keep your team working safely.

What do you include during the technical baseline measurement?

• Machine and line data: mass, center of gravity, dimensions, anchorage points.
• On-site situation: floor load and surface, clear heights, obstacles, pivots and doors.
• Utilities: power, compressed air, water, vacuum, extraction, data cables.
• Logistic route: internal routes, intersections with internal transport, emergency exits, workplace traffic plan.
• Documentation: P&IDs, layout drawings, manual and lifting points.

How do you ensure safety with RI&E, work permits and LOTO?

• Record risks in a (Task) RI&E and coordinate work permits with HSE and the technical service.
• Prevent unexpected reactivation with lockout/tagout according to ISO 14118.
• For electrical safety, NEN 3140 is the current standard in the Netherlands to demonstrate safe working on or near low-voltage installations: NO 3140.

What does a lifting and moving plan include?

• Choice of equipment: mini cranes (e.g. electric), machine lifters, skates/air cushions, truck-mounted crane for transshipment.
• Calculations and checks: load weight vs. capacity, center of gravity, stability, floor pressure/road plates.
• Roles and competences: name of rigger, driver, banksman and job manager.
• Pre-lift and fallback: test hoist, emergency stop procedures, alternative route, reserve equipment.
• Phasing: preferably at off-peak hours, in the evening or at the weekend to conserve production.

Which tools and techniques are suitable on the factory floor?

Mini cranes (including electric ones) are ideal for tight spaces and low floor pressure. Jacking & skating or air cushions are efficient for long, straight routes with limited backlash. Aerial work platforms, lifting and lifting equipment and safety devices ensure safe working at heights and during assembly and dismantling. Do you temporarily have no space on the line? Bridge the schedule with Warehousing for secure storage or cross-docking.

What laws and regulations affect internal machinery movement?

• CE marking and “substantial change”: a machine usually does not have to be CE-marked again when it is moved internally, because CE refers to bringing it to the EU market for the first time. See EU Summary Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Please note: the new EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 will apply from 14 January 2027 and introduce the concept of “substantial change”. In case of interventions that increase the risk level, reassessment may be necessary. See Regulation (EU) 2023/1230.
• Use of tools: employers must ensure, among other things, safe installation, inspection and competent staff. See EU-OSHA about Directive 2009/104/EC.
• LOTO and electrical safety: deposit lockout/tagout in accordance ISO 14118 and demonstrate electrical safety with NO 3140.

How do you minimize downtime during execution?

• Phasing and parallel workflows: prepare disassembly, internal transport and (pre) installation so that teams can work in parallel. Schedule windows during off-peak hours or weekends.
• Alignment, testing and release: after positioning, alignment, anchoring and a trial run until SAT/release follows.
• Communication and traffic management: clear walking routes, barriers and a point of contact on the floor keep things safe and smooth. Would you like to see how this works with complete lines? Watch Move the production line and learn how we rearrange entire lines internally. Want to know more about our organization and safety approach? Look at About us.

What determines the costs and lead time?

• Scope and complexity: weight/dimensions, accessibility, lifting points, obstacles, number of machines.
• Resources and deployment: mini cranes, machine lifters, skates, truck-mounted crane for transshipment, number of riggers, possible 24/7 deployment.
• Preparation and engineering: recording, drawing, calculations, RI&E, work permits, coordination with HSE/TD. Tip: Tight preparation reduces failure costs and shortens the turnaround time. Request a recording in time for a realistic schedule and budget indication.

Checklist: internal machine movement in 10 steps

1. Recording & baseline measurement: determine mass, center of gravity, route, floor load and utilities.
2. Risk analysis (RI&E) & work permits: including LOTO plan and emergency procedures.
3. Living/moving plan: resources, competences, pre-lift and fallback scenarios.
4. Planning & phasing: night/weekend, parallel workflows, traffic management.
5. Workplace ready: marking, barrier, roadplates/protection, signalling.
6. Disassembly & activation: electrotechnical/mechanical decoupling, labeling and packaging.
7. Moving & positioning: hoisting, jacking & skating, securing, quality controls.
8. Reinstallation: connect, anchor, align.
9. Test & release: trial production, SAT and transfer.
10. Evaluation: Define learning points for subsequent optimizations.

Why Pol Industrial Movements as a director partner?

Pol Industrial Movements is a collaboration between Pol Compact Lifting, Pol Transport and Pol Hoogwerkers. You get one point of contact, all the resources you need and a turnkey approach from (dis) assembly to reinstallation and temporary storage. This is how we limit downtime and keep your factory moving. Read more at Industrial removals.

Last and next step Internal machine movement is not a daily job for your team, but it is for us. With smart preparation, a solid lifting and moving plan and a managing partner that guarantees safety and planning, you can move machines with minimal downtime. Do you want to discuss your internal machine movement or schedule a recording right away? Get in touch via our contact page.

FAQs

What is the difference between moving internally and relocating to another location?

Internal movement takes place within the same building or site. The logistics are more compact, but the requirements for safety, planning and communication are just as high. External relocations require additional transport and export logistics.

Does a machine have to be CE-marked again after internal movement?

Not usually. CE concerns bringing it to the EU market for the first time. Please note: in the event of a “substantial change”, additional requirements or reassessment may apply under the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 from 14 January 2027 and the Machinery Directive.

Do you work outside production hours?

Yes. We often plan in the evening or weekend to limit downtime. We will coordinate this with your production and HSE in advance.

What information do you need for a recording?

Mass, dimensions, photos, drawings/layout, lifting points, utilities, desired planning and any HSE requirements or work permits.

What resources do you use within the factory?

Depending on the situation: electric mini cranes, machine lifters, skates/air cushions, aerial work platforms and safety devices. Everything tailored to route, floor load and safety.

Do you also work internationally?

Yes. We carry out industrial travel across Europe. Thanks to our own resources and one control point, the process remains clear, even across borders.