Industrial construction refers to the building, design, installation, and maintenance of highly specialized facilities that are used primarily for manufacturing, production, and distribution of goods. This sector includes the construction of factories, power plants, warehouses, manufacturing plants, data centers, and other industrial facilities. Key characteristics of industrial construction include:
- Focus on functionality rather than style, to support heavy equipment and industry-specific regulations.
- Floor plans designed to promote smooth foot traffic and efficient coordination of manufacturing and distribution.
- Specialized conveyance and transportation requirements such as 24/7 shipping and receiving, access to air or rail transport, and major highways.
- Heavy infrastructure and integration of mechanical, electrical, and process systems (MEP).
- Compliance with local, state, and federal permitting and building codes.
- Projects often involve complex systems, heavy equipment, and coordination among various specialty contractors.
Industrial construction is distinct from commercial construction, which typically involves buildings intended to house businesses like retail stores, restaurants, or offices, and not facilities primarily used to manufacture goods. Overall, industrial construction plays a critical role in supporting businesses involved in producing goods and services, handling large-scale operations, and ensuring efficiency and safety in these facilities. This type of construction requires specialized knowledge and capabilities due to the technical and operational demands of industrial buildings.
