Relocating a house can be overwhelming, with checklists, timelines, and unexpected challenges to manage. Now, imagine relocating an entire manufacturing plant from one country to another. Manufacturing plant relocation is an immense task that demands months of careful planning and execution, all the while meeting production deadlines. In this article, we’ll share valuable insights into the process of relocating a factory in Southeast Asia, using the example of Dimerco Malaysia‘s 48-week project for a leading IT infrastructure manufacturer relocating from Singapore to Malaysia.
It Starts with Planning
Each company has unique requirements for their manufacturing relocation process. The first crucial step is to work with a logistics specialist to thoroughly understand your specific needs. After analyzing your entire process, the logistics partner should create a detailed checklist of tasks and a timeline to minimize potential disruptions. Since requirements vary across industries, two critical checklists to focus on are the inventory checklist and the regulatory compliance checklist
Inventory Checklist
This includes all the items you plan to relocate. Your logistics provider should conduct an on-site inspection of these items and review the inventory with you. For example, Dimerco Malaysia visited the manufacturer’s factory in Singapore to perform a physical check of all commodities before the move.
Regulatory Compliance Checklist
This list covers all the necessary documents, permits and approvals required by regulatory bodies. Machinery often requires special declarations to qualify for exemptions from duties and taxes. The important documents and permits needed for the manufacturing plant relocation from Singapore to Malaysia are:
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List for Malaysia and Singapore Customs Compliance
- Product Catalogue
- Offer letter from MIDA Malaysia
- Singapore Permit for Export
- Customs Form 1 for Importation to Malaysia
- Major Exporter Permit (if applicable)
After verifying the inventory and compliance requirements, your logistics partner should develop a detailed schedule for the manufacturing plant relocation project. It’s essential to share your production schedules for any ongoing operations to ensure that the relocation plan aligns seamlessly with your production timelines. This coordination helps to minimize downtime and maintain optimal productivity throughout the relocation process. For Dimerco Malaysia’s case, we planned the project to have a timeline of 48 weeks after studying the customer’s total inventory and production schedules.
Photo Caption 1: Dimerco carefully setting up the machineries.
Overcoming Challenges
Even with the best planning, unexpected challenges can pop up during execution. But with the right logistics partner by your side, these hurdles can be swiftly tackled, keeping the process smooth and on schedule. In Dimerco Malaysia’s project with the IT infrastructure manufacturer, a few bumps in the road occurred at the start. However, thanks to active communication and quick problem-solving, these challenges were overcome without any major disruptions. Here’s how it was handled:
Photo Caption 2: Dimerco sending out the carefully packed equipment and machinery on trucks.
Being Insured
When relocating high-value machinery, having in-transit insurance is a must. Your logistics partner’s coverage might not be enough to cover the full value of your equipment, so it’s wise to secure additional protection. At Dimerco, we always stress the importance of safeguarding all cargo to avoid any unexpected complications during the project. For our IT infrastructure manufacturing customer, after discussing the pros and cons, they opted to purchase their own in-transit insurance. Thankfully, it was never needed, but having that extra layer of security made all the difference for their peace of mind.
Photo Caption 3: Dimerco setting up delivered furniture in customer’s new office in Malaysia.
The Finishing Touch
The manufacturing plant relocation project was initially planned for 48 weeks, but due to effective and efficient execution, it was completed ahead of schedule in just 36 weeks. The project required the coordination of a total of 40 low-bed trucks and 91 open trucks. The success of this relocation was a result of careful planning, resilience in overcoming challenges, and strong communication among all parties involved. This case highlights how thoughtful planning and execution can lead to exceptional outcomes.
“The project took about nine months and was completed ahead of schedule. Dimerco’s expertise in managing export & import formalities and their effective handling of truck space optimization and heavy machinery were essential. Their dedicated team ensured a smooth transition and played a key role in achieving our relocation milestones. We’re very satisfied with the support they provided throughout the process.”
– Project Manager of IT Infrastructure Manufacturing Company
Need help in relocating your manufacturing plant?
As global manufacturers increasingly adopt the China Plus One strategy to diversify their supply chains, the need for reliable logistics partners to facilitate seamless integration into new countries and the establishment of new factories is more critical than ever. Whether it’s entering new markets or relocating existing operations, having a logistics provider with expertise in every stage—from planning to execution—is essential for success.
In our example – a large-scale relocation of an IT infrastructure manufacturer’s plant from Singapore to Malaysia – Dimerco served as a trusted logistics partner, demonstrating the resilience and capability to overcome challenges at every step. If you’re exploring manufacturing plant relocations or looking to diversify your supply chain, learn more about the Logistics of the China Plus One approach in our eBook or Start a Discussion with us today!
Q&A On Manufacturing Plant Relocation Projects
- What is driving companies to set up additional production outside China?
- The answer is complicated but can be broken down into three primary driving forces. These forces create ripple effects throughout the global supply chain:
- The US-China trade war
- Desire to create a more resilient supply chain if faced with a major future disruption, like a pandemic
- Increasing costs and an aging/constrained labor force in China.
- The answer is complicated but can be broken down into three primary driving forces. These forces create ripple effects throughout the global supply chain:
- What critical questions must be asked as part of the decision to move operations to another country?
- Is there adequate freight capacity?
- Will transit times meet customer service level requirements?
- Will we be able to ensure adequate and economical supply of inbound materials from component manufacturers into the new location?
- Is adequate warehouse space/services available
- What Customs processes and government regulations/licenses must we be aware of to prepare for the move and avoid related delays
- Is adequate labor available in the new market to maintain target production levels?
- Which countries are benefiting most from a China Plus One strategy?
- To promote new investments, all ASEAN countries, to one degree or another, are implementing tax cuts, enacting business-friendly policies, offering fiscal incentives for special economic zones/industrial parks, and boosting infrastructure spending. However according to Dr. Sara Hsu, an expert in China economic development, the countries that seem primed to benefit most from a China Plus One strategy are Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.