Foundations of Success: Key Considerations in Site Selection

An aerial drone shot of Garmin's warehouse, built my McCownGordon

Selecting the right location for your manufacturing project is crucial to the long-term success of your project. There are many factors to consider with site selection—development costs, availability of utilities, space for future growth, accessibility and more. Navigating this process can be difficult, but investing time and resources upfront will pay off in the long run.  

When you partner with McCownGordon, we’ll guide you through the site selection process from start to finish. Our team brings 120 years of combined experience across multiple manufacturing markets to help you locate the ideal site to support your manufacturing plant for many years to come.  

Site selection is much more than finding an empty plot of land. When planning for the location of your manufacturing plant, you need to consider every need (and every future need) of your facility.  

The Physical Space

The most obvious piece to consider is the site’s physical space. Is there enough square footage for production, warehouse, and space for your support systems (payroll, security, maintenance, etc.)? Consider the amount of space you’ll need initially and how future growth and expansion would be possible. The topographical nature of the site can significantly impact a project. Sites with numerous hills, drop-offs, and rocky terrain present logistical challenges and can lead to increased costs.

Available Incentives

When local governments want to bring companies and jobs into their communities, they will often negotiate tax credits or offer other incentives. When you use McCownGordon to assist with your site selection, you’ll feel confident knowing you will get the most value for your investment. 

Traffic and Transportation

Local transportation and traffic will determine the speed you can receive raw materials and ship out your finished product. Consider how far you will be from your vendors and distribution centers. How will traffic and transportation affect the time it takes to get your product from manufacturing to the end user? 

Utilities

Your manufacturing plant needs utilities to run smoothly. If a potential site does not have the necessary utilities to power your plant, you can quickly eliminate it from the list. Consider the availability and cost of electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, and telecommunications for your industry. 

Community Preferences

Manufacturing plants can have a significant impact on the local community. It’s important to find a site that aligns with the preferences and values of the surrounding community. 

Your plant needs long-term success. McCownGordon helps you achieve this by selecting sites that foster positive community relationships.  

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