Factory design is one of the first and most important steps in building and developing a manufacturing business. Unlike civil construction, factory design requires a combination of construction techniques, production functionality, and financial efficiency. Incorrect or incomplete designs can lead to serious consequences such as increased operating costs, difficulty in expansion, or safety risks for workers.
A well-designed factory will bring:
- High production efficiency thanks to a rational layout process.
- Long-term cost savings thanks to optimized electricity, water, and operations.
- Increased lifespan of the building, reducing the risk of repairs.
- Create a professional working environment, retaining quality personnel.
First, clearly define the intended purpose of the factory/workshop:
- Mechanical production, food processing, textiles, electronics components, or warehousing?
- Operating frequency: One shift or three shifts per day?
- Number of workers/machines during peak hours?
Is it necessary to integrate offices, technical areas, or just production space? The production scale is a key factor in calculating the floor area, structural load, and appropriate electrical, water, and ventilation systems to avoid "overload" after a period of operation.
Choosing a suitable location can save significant operating costs later on:
- Close to sources of raw materials & transportation hubs (ports, major roads).
- Availability of technical infrastructure (3-phase electricity, clean water, waste treatment...).
Not restricted by planning regulations or legal issues. The construction site needs to ensure:
- Stable geological conditions, no subsidence.
- Emergency exits, easy access for container trucks.
- Favorable wind and light direction for natural ventilation.
Depending on needs and budget, you can choose:
- Prefabricated steel structure factory/workshop: Fast construction time, material savings, flexible expansion.
- Reinforced concrete factory/workshop: Good load-bearing capacity, high thermal and sound insulation, suitable for multi-story buildings.
Experience shows that using I-shaped or Z-shaped steel frames can save materials, combined with insulated roofing or PU panels to prevent heat and save electricity.
The factory/workshop design should be scientific, seamless, and optimized for operation:
- Production area - warehouse - technical area - office must be clearly separated but conveniently connected.
- Internal aisles need to be wide enough for forklifts and small trucks.
The placement of machinery must take into account the electrical, water, compressed air, and fire protection systems in advance. The LEAN principles should be applied in the factory/workshop layout to optimize flow and reduce unnecessary operations.
- Don't "calculate as you go," create detailed drawings from the start.
- Calculate the development space for the next 3–5 years.
- Find a turnkey consulting – design – construction unit, with a clear process & quotation.
Design costs typically account for 5–10% of the total investment, but if done carefully from the beginning, you can save 20–30% of construction and maintenance costs later on.
- Prefabricated steel frames save up to 30–40% of costs compared to concrete structures.
- Insulated tôn (corrugated iron) helps reduce electricity bills for air conditioning and cooling fans.
- Aluminum and glass doors instead of concrete walls help with natural lighting.
Note: Don't be "penny-wise and pound-foolish" by choosing poor quality materials. The consequences of repairs will be much more expensive.
- Construction errors are the leading cause of cost overruns for future repairs.
- An independent supervising engineer is necessary – inspecting each item (structure, floor, roof, fire protection...).
- Keep a construction log and use a checklist to avoid omissions.
- Designing without contingency paths: When expanding or changing the production line, there is no technical access.
- Not considering heat and waterproofing solutions: The consequence is spending money on installing air conditioning or repairing the roof.
- Choosing a cheap, inexperienced contractor: Easily leads to incorrect construction and substandard materials.
Legal and Technical Standards Considerations Factory design must comply with the following regulations:
- Vietnamese Standards (TCVN) regarding loads, structures, fire protection, labor safety...
- Obtain a construction permit: Including detailed drawings, land use right certificate, and fire protection appraisal.
- Environmental Impact Assessment report (if it is a manufacturing plant with emissions).
Note: Work with a design unit that understands legal regulations to avoid problems during the approval process.
Currently, there are many units providing turnkey factory design and construction services. When choosing a partner, you should consider:
- Practical experience: Having implemented numerous factory projects in similar industries.
- Professional technical and supervisory team.
- Transparent legal documents, commitment to progress and costs.
- Long-term construction warranty.
If you are looking for a reputable factory design unit, BIC is a noteworthy option. With over 10 years of experience in industrial factory design and construction, BIC is committed to providing optimal, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions for each type of production.
Factory construction design is the foundational step for the smooth operation and sustainable development of your business. A “durable, beautiful, optimized, and cost-effective” project doesn't come from luck, but from careful preparation right from the initial concept stage.
Hopefully, with the factory design experience shared in this article, you will gain a comprehensive overview and make the most accurate and effective choice for your business.
