Successful relocation: Your checklist for industrial production relocations

Industrial engineers
temporary employment engineers

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Relocation of production in industry, a topic that has become increasingly important in recent years. German industrial companies, especially in the automotive industry and chemical industry discover the advantages of relocating abroad and rely on professional management. 

Find out more about how companies are benefiting from this change and which interim solutions are being discussed in politics. Be inspired by successful examples and valuable advice for your next entrepreneurial endeavour.

Why relocate production in the industry?

In recent years, German industrial companies have increasingly recognised the advantages of relocating production abroad. The search for new locations outside Germany offers opportunities for growth and increased efficiency. According to DIHK studies, many companies are prepared to invest in international relocations in order to expand their production capacities and reduce costs. Management plays a decisive role here by making the right decisions and effectively coordinating the implementation. The financing of a production relocation should be carefully planned in order to minimise risks and make optimal use of resources. Interim management can provide valuable support in this phase. Communication with employees during the relocation process is also essential to minimise uncertainty and maintain a motivated team. Ultimately, a successful relocation of production not only brings new opportunities, but also increased competitiveness for German industrial companies.

Production relocation checklist - from planning to implementation

Moving the production of a product or service to another location requires thorough planning and monitoring to ensure that the process runs smoothly and no major problems occur. Here is a general checklist for relocating production:

  1. Objectives and strategy:

    • Clear definition of the objectives and reasons for relocating production.

    • Definition of long-term strategic goals and expectations.
  2. Site selection:

    • Evaluation of potential locations based on costs, infrastructure, labour, legal framework, etc.
    • Carrying out site analyses and risk assessments.
  3. Budgeting and resource planning:

    • Determination of the budget for the relocation.
    • Resource allocation for the move, including finance, human resources and technology.
  4. Communication and stakeholder management:

    • Clear communication with all stakeholders involved, including employees, suppliers and customers.
    • Develop a communication plan to inform all relevant parties about the progress and impact of the relocation.
  5. Legal and regulatory aspects:

    • Review and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements at both the old and the new location.
    • Securing the permits and licences for operation at the new location.
  6. Infrastructure and logistics:

    • Ensuring the availability of infrastructure such as factories, warehouses, power supply, water, transport facilities, etc.
    • Planning and implementation of efficient logistics solutions for the transport of raw materials, products and other materials.
  7. Quality assurance and process optimisation:

    • Review and adaptation of production processes and quality standards at the new location.
    • Implementation of quality control measures to ensure that product quality is maintained.
  8. Personnel management:

    • Planning and organising training courses for employees at the new location.
    • Consideration of personnel adjustments and employment contracts.
  9. Technological infrastructure:

    • Evaluation of the existing technological infrastructure and adaptation to the new location.
    • Ensuring the availability of IT systems and other technical support.
  10. Risk management:

    • Identification of potential risks and development of risk minimisation measures.
    • Establishment of a control and monitoring system to monitor the relocation process and recognise problems at an early stage.
production relocation checklist

1. planning and preparation for a successful relocation of production in the industry

With a clear timetable and a detailed checklist for the relocation of production in the industry, German companies can expand abroad or into Europe. Preparation plays a decisive role in identifying and minimising potential risks at an early stage. The new location should be selected carefully, taking into account financial and political conditions. Efficient management during the relocation process is essential to ensure a smooth transition. Technological aspects such as the integration of new production facilities must also be taken into account to ensure a seamless transition. Employee training after the successful relocation ensures long-term success and efficiency at the new location.

2. selection of the new location for the relocation of production

The selection of a new location for a production relocation in industry is a decisive step for the success of your company. When looking for suitable locations abroad or in Germany, German industrial companies should carefully weigh up the advantages. A thorough analysis of the political and financial framework is essential to ensure long-term success. Interim and long-term goals must be clearly defined in order to make the right decision. The latest developments in production technology should also be taken into account in order to optimise your production processes. Communication and transparency are key factors for a smooth relocation of your production to the new site. Ultimately, an informed choice of location will help strengthen your company in the global market and promote long-term growth.

3. logistics and transport for a production relocation

Efficient logistics and smooth transport play a crucial role in the relocation of industrial production. Careful planning and coordination of all logistical processes are crucial to ensure a smooth transition. From packaging and labelling to the selection of the appropriate transport system, every step must be precisely planned. Special attention should also be paid to customs regulations and international shipping requirements, especially when relocating abroad. An experienced team of logistics experts can help overcome potential challenges and maximise the benefits of an efficient supply chain. Clear communication and close collaboration with all parties involved can ensure a successful transport process so that the production relocation runs without any unforeseen difficulties.

4. communication with employees during a production relocation in the industry

Communication with employees during a production relocation in industry is crucial for the smooth running of the process. It is important that employees are actively involved and receive regular updates on the status of the relocation. Transparency creates trust and minimises the uncertainty that often accompanies change. Fears and concerns can also be addressed through open discussions and solutions can be found together. A well-informed team is more motivated and works more efficiently on the success of the production relocation. The support of employees in this process is crucial for the success of the entire company. Open and honest communication promotes a sense of togetherness within the workforce and helps everyone involved to look positively towards the future of the company.

5 Technological aspects

The integration of new technologies is crucial for a successful relocation of production in the industry. Modern manufacturing methods and automated processes can boost efficiency and increase productivity.

 German industrial companies benefit from highly developed technologies that enable them to remain competitive abroad. Digitalisation plays a central role in the optimisation of production processes and quality controls.

placement of skilled workers from abroad

6. employee training after a successful relocation of production in the industry

The successful relocation of production in industry requires comprehensive employee training to ensure that everyone involved is familiar with the new processes. It is crucial to actively involve employees and prepare them for the changes. Targeted training can eliminate potential uncertainties and ensure a smooth transition. The training should cover both technical and organisational aspects in order to optimally prepare the team for the new production environment. Open communication and support from management are of great importance in order to promote employee commitment and motivation. Ultimately, effective employee training contributes significantly to the long-term success of production relocation in the industry.

7. quality control and process optimisation after a production relocation

After a production relocation in the industry, it is crucial to keep a consistent eye on quality control and process optimisation. The change of location can create new challenges that require close monitoring of production processes. Quality assurance plays a central role in ensuring that standards are maintained at the new location. Effective process optimisation makes it possible to identify and eliminate potential bottlenecks at an early stage. Through continuous improvements, companies can increase their efficiency and thus secure competitive advantages. The close link between quality control and process optimisation is therefore an essential component for long-term success after a production relocation in the industry.

Conclusion: Successful relocation - efficient production at new location!

The relocation of an industrial company's production can offer a variety of benefits, especially when it comes to increasing efficiency and opening up new markets abroad. Careful planning and a smooth process are crucial to the success of this complex process. Once the German company has completed the relocation, it is important to control the quality of production at the new location and to continuously optimise processes. Employee training plays a key role in adapting to the new conditions and technologies. Open communication with employees throughout the entire relocation process promotes understanding and motivation. This holistic approach ensures that the relocation of production ultimately leads to efficient production at a new location.

Successful production relocation - with us as your partner

Are you looking for an experienced partner for your production relocation? We at Zeitarbeit International can support you. We will gladly let you References or invite you to partner companies or even to a production facility that has already been relocated. From chocolate production in Hungary to metal or stainless steel processing or stainless steel assembly in Poland and Romania.

Temporary work International

Whether Nearshore services or Outsourcing,- we are your partner when it comes to assembly or production from all areas of production relocation. From the German-speaking managing director or foreman,- our team takes care of everything and represents your company abroad successfully, legally secure and goal-oriented. Learn more about us >>>

Frequently asked questions:

Relocation of production refers to the process of moving the production of goods or services from one location to another. This can take place within a country or across borders. Production is often relocated in order to reduce costs, for example through cheaper labour or tax advantages in another country. Companies may also decide to relocate their production closer to the sales markets in order to minimise transport costs and delivery times. 

Production is relocated abroad for various reasons:

  • Reducing costsas labour and resources are cheaper in some countries.
  • Access to new customers and business opportunities.
  • Optimisation of the production process by using specialised expertise and technologies in other countries.
  • Tax benefits and regulatory incentives.

Overall, relocating production abroad offers many strategic advantages for companies to remain competitive and maximise their growth potential.

  1. Cost savings: Companies can often find cheaper labour, raw materials and production costs abroad. This enables them to offer their products at lower prices and be more competitive.

  2. Access to resources: In some countries, there is better access to certain resources such as raw materials, energy or specialised labour. Relocating production to such locations can increase efficiency and improve quality.

  3. Market development: By setting up production facilities abroad, companies can improve their access to new markets. This enables them to better serve local customers and expand their market presence.

  4. Risk diversification: Diversifying production sites can protect companies from risks such as political instability, natural disasters or currency fluctuations. If one location is affected, production can be continued at other locations.

  5. Capacity expansion: If demand for a product increases, relocating production abroad can help to expand production capacity and avoid bottlenecks.

  6. Competitive advantage: In some cases, companies abroad can use more advanced technologies, production processes or expertise to gain a competitive advantage.

Various problems can arise when relocating production:

  1. Logistics problems: There may be difficulties in transporting equipment, raw materials and finished products.

  2. Quality problems: Product quality can suffer if the new production sites do not have the same standards as the old ones.

  3. Communication problems: Misunderstandings between the teams at the new and old locations can lead to delays and errors.

  4. Cost overruns: The relocation can be more expensive than expected due to unforeseen expenses or inefficient planning.

  5. Loss of skilled labour: Experienced employees could leave the workplace or find it difficult to adapt to new processes.

  6. Legal problems: Problems with authorisations, certifications or contracts can delay or hinder the relocation process.

  7. Technical challenges: Problems can arise with the integration of new technologies or the incompatibility of systems.

  8. Loss of productivity: Productivity could drop temporarily while teams adapt to the new work processes.

  9. Image and customer relationship problems: Customers could be dissatisfied or lose confidence in the company if problems arise during the relocation.

  10. Regulatory risks: Violations of environmental or labour laws at the new location can lead to legal problems.

It is important to anticipate these potential problems and take appropriate measures to avoid or minimise them. Careful planning, clear communication and continuous monitoring are crucial to ensure a smooth relocation process.

  1. Management consultant / personnel service provider: Consultancy firms specialising in production relocation can assist companies in planning, implementing and monitoring the relocation process. They offer expertise, advice and customised solutions for the company's specific requirements.
  2. Legal experts: Lawyers and legal advisors can assist companies with the legal aspects of relocating production, including contract negotiations, legal requirements at the new location, regulatory compliance and intellectual property protection.
  3. Logistics company: Logistics companies can support companies in organising the transport of production facilities, machines, raw materials and finished products. They also offer solutions for warehousing, distribution and shipping.
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