COVID-19 and its impact on heavy machinery removals and machine installations

Whilst we fully appreciate that an empty factory and lost production is far from an ideal situation, we are finding that some our customers have decided to bring forward projects that had been planned for later months of the 2020.

Having reviewed ways to mitigate some of the impact of the virus, some companies have decided to use this period of enforced factory closure as an opportunity to carry out works whilst staff are not on-site as part of their ongoing business continuity strategy.

They are hoping that making production line changes and using this time to remove, install or maintain heavy machinery will help with business survival either by improving output efficiency of factories for when they re-open, or from reducing overheads and realising asset value by removing machines and closing factories should resuming production deemed to be unsustainable.

We have been assessing the Government guidelines on what industries can carry on working, and also taking advice from the HSE about the projects that we can complete whilst ensuring we adhere to strict social distancing guidelines.

Their guidance states that “manufacturing plays an important role in the economy. It can continue if done in accordance with the social distancing guidelines wherever possible.”

In light of this, we have also reviewed the guidance for transport and logistics operations and, having consulted with staff, we have agreed ways that we can continue to support our clients to carry out machinery moving projects whilst also ensuring the safety of all people involved.

With this in mind, until further guidance is issued, and as long as the companies involved will allow works to take place, Merritts will be able to continue to carry out internal machinery moves and machinery installation projects. We will also be able to remove machines and transport them to our industrial storage facility or relocate machinery to other factories or locations within the UK.

Rest assured the protection of everyone is our priority, and we will always carry out thorough risk assessments on all projects to ensure they can go ahead safely.

Some of the social distancing measures we have adopted include:

• One person, one vehicle
• Using remote controlled lifting equipment
• More extensive use of barriers and floor markings
• Provision of PPE and hand sanitiser and strict adherence to hand washing guidance

If you are considering a heavy machinery removal, relocation or installation project, need to temporarily store new or redundant heavy machinery, or simply need space to carry out servicing and maintenance, please get in touch.