by Zoe Zorka

The key-in-hand approach is a popular choice for small and mid-sized businesses that are looking for equipped premises in a premium location. Indeed, key-in-hand or ready-to-move-in offices are fully serviced and set up to make sure that businesses have got everything they need to hit the road running. From the reception area – sometimes with a professional receptionist welcoming your visitors and directing calls to the most appropriate interlocutor – to the tailored office design and decor, premises that are ready to use are all the range in the business world. 

However, while office-based companies thrive in a key-in-hand structure, small manufacturers can struggle to find ready-to-use premises that fit their needs. Here’s why ready-to-move-in industrial buildings are not a good idea for SMEs: 

Industrial machinery

They lack personal touches 

Motivation is the workplace plays a significant role in maintaining your productivity. It makes no doubt that your team responds positively to the addition of personal touches, such as photos or even allowing your employees to make the space theirs with unique elements. However, while in an office environment, personal touches can be limited to a framed photo on the desk, in a manufacturing space, personalization comes as a second thought. Indeed, when there is no desk available, it can be difficult for your team to tame the workplace and make it feel friendlier. In a raw environment, personalization takes different shapes that key-in-hand places fail to understand. Personalization in an industrial environment includes giving your team a say about the kitchen and break room areas, for instance, which is impossible to do with a ready-to-move-in structure. 

Their requirements are not standard

While you can fit a conventional office is any environment without complex DIY skills, the same can’t be said for machinery. Indeed, it’s not uncommon for small manufacturers to purchase used machines, including equipment that might require repair and renovation work before being put to use. Indeed, key-in-hand premises fail to offer the welding services of a contract manufacturing expert to give second-hand machines a new life. When businesses have to think outside the box and compromise to make the most of their budget, they need a partner who can offer specialist services. 

They don’t understand specialist H&S

Health and safety regulations in an office environment are a known entity. From loose electric cables that run along the floor to slippery ground, ready-to-move-in premises understand the risks of an office-based workplace. You can’t transpose these risks into a manufacturing environment. Working with heavy machinery doesn’t compare to a desk job with a laptop. As a result, many premises might likely fail to meet the H&S standards without investing in extensive – and expensive – specialist surveys. 

They offer unnecessary services

An operated reception area is a standard offering. Some even provide dedicated office equipment and setup. Finally, ready-to-move-in premises have introduced green business practices, such as maximizing cloud services over printing. 

However, the manufacturing world doesn’t benefit from these services. Reducing harmful industrial emissions requires a lot more effort than cutting down on print paper, for instance, which is something the current ready-made premises can’t provide. 

The need for innovative manufacturers is growing. However, there is currently no service that can provide small industrial companies with a smooth setup. The question that begs an answer is the following: Is our inability to offer ready-to-move-in manufacturing premises affecting our chances to develop environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient production lines?