In the manufacturing industry, space is always at a premium. That’s why prefabricated construction methods are becoming increasingly popular. A steel structure can be erected quickly and without disturbing the work of other team members. It also cuts down on noise pollution, site disruption and structural waste. If you’re interested in using prefabricated steel structures to improve your manufacturing facility, this article will provide you with some insight into the benefits of these workshops.

What is a prefabricated steel structure?

A prefabricated steel structure is a building created from prefabricated sections. These sections are designed and engineered to be assembled at a site using cranes and hoists, without the need for foundations. A typical prefabricated steel structure consists of a frame, panels and a roof. The frame is made from columns and beams, and the roof is supported by an H- or I-shaped structure. The panels are typically made of steel or aluminium. The key advantage of a prefabricated structure is that, when constructed, it is completely self-supporting. There are no columns or walls requiring support, no foundations and no need for heavy lifting equipment.

Why use prefabricated steel workshops?

Prefabricated steel workshops can be erected within a very short time frame. Depending on the size of the structure, you can expect the assembly to take up to two months. This is much faster than the typical site-built steel structure, which can take up to four months to build. The speed at which you can start using the structure is beneficial in two ways: First, it lets you start generating revenue much sooner, which is always a good thing! Second, it saves you money by shortening the construction period. A short construction period also means fewer disruptions on site. This is often very important to manufacturing facilities as they are often located in urban areas. Most importantly, pre-fabricated steel structures are cost-effective. They are often cheaper than a site-built structure, especially if you hire a contractor to build the facility for you.

Advantages of using prefabricated steel workshops

– Quick Construction – As we mentioned above, prefabricated steel workshops are much quicker to build than site-built ones. This can be a huge advantage, especially if you have a tight timeline. – Fewer Disruptions – Since the builder doesn’t need to excavate for foundations, there are fewer disruptions on site. This is extremely important for manufacturing facilities. – High Quality – Prefabricated steel structures are highly engineered and designed to meet all your needs. This means you’re getting a high-quality product that is built to last. – Modular Design – A modular design lets you customize the prefab structure to suit your specific needs. You can increase or decrease the size of the structure at any time. This makes it a very flexible solution. – Easy Maintenance – You can paint or repaint the structure at any time, or even add a coating to prevent rust. You can also replace any damaged parts. All of this is much easier than it would be with a site-built structure.

Disadvantages of using prefabricated steel workshops

– High Initial Investment – While a prefabricated steel structure is cheaper to build than a site-built one, you’ll still need to invest a lot of money up front. – Longer Lead Time – It takes longer to order, transport and assemble a prefab structure than it does a site-built one. This means you will have to wait for your new facility to be completed. – Lack of Variety – Since a prefabricated structure comes in a limited number of standard sizes, you might have to settle for a design that doesn’t meet all your specific needs. – Lack of Local Knowledge – Prefab companies are often located in other parts of the country or in other countries. This means you don’t have the benefit of local engineers who can help you make the right design choices.

Deciding between a pre-fab and a SMART workshop

The major difference between the two is that a SMART workshop is site-built, while a pre-fab structure is prefabricated. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. A site-built structure is cheaper to buy, while a prefabricated structure is cheaper to build. Both structures last at least 40 years and can be extended later on. A pre-fab structure can also be repurposed whenever you want to use it for something else. However, a pre-fab structure is much more limited in terms of design options. It is usually less aesthetic, too. A SMART workshop is a more open-ended solution. It gives you the freedom to design the structure from scratch, which is ideal if you’re building an unusual facility. However, you will have to invest more money in the design process.

Final words

If you’re building a new manufacturing facility, prefabricated steel structures are a great choice. Not only are they quick and easy to build, but they are also low-maintenance, flexible and durable. You can even repurpose them if you ever want to use them for something else.