Layout design in factory planning

The strategic location concept

A well-founded location strategy forms the strategic foundation for sustainable corporate growth, stable supply chains, and long-term competitiveness in both national and global markets. Whether it involves a new startup, a capacity expansion, or a plant relocation—wrong decisions carry immense financial risks. As ebp-consulting, we offer you a transparent basis for decision-making by combining market analysis, logistics engineering, and interdisciplinary expert knowledge. With our holistic approach, we precisely define your optimal logistics hub and reliably support you from the initial network analysis through to successful commissioning. Learn here how a professional site concept is developed in factory planning and which factors ensure the long-term success of your production facility.

Strategic context: the location strategy for factories

The strategic orientation of a production network plays a decisive role in determining the profitability and operational resilience of an industrial company. A holistic site concept for factories structures this complex selection process by systematically balancing economic conditions, infrastructural factors, and logistical requirements. Get a detailed overview of the methodological phases, ranging from the initial definition of the search area to the final detailed layout planning. We also shed light on the critical challenges of the modern market, such as the acute shortage of skilled workers or the requirements for energy sustainability. With this solid knowledge base, we transform traditional location decisions into transparent, data-driven investments in the future for your company.

The ebp-consulting Approach: Holistic Network and Layout Integration

We never view a production facility in isolation, but rather plan it as an integral part of your overall supply chain strategy. Our ebp approach seamlessly combines strategic logistics engineering with functional industrial architecture and detailed layout planning. Thanks to our vendor-neutral expertise and the use of proven methods, we guarantee you a completely objective evaluation of all scenarios. We guide you through the entire project lifecycle with a clear structure—from the initial feasibility study to final implementation support on the factory floor. This holistic consulting approach minimizes your planning risks and maximizes the operational efficiency of the new site.

Benefits of consulting with ebp-consulting:

Independent expertise – we work objectively and in a solution-oriented manner
Proven methods & tools – from location scoring to business cases
Cross-industry experience – from small and medium-sized businesses to large corporations
Transparency & certainty – clear decision-making criteria instead of gut feelings
Speed & structure – we accelerate your decision-making processes

Other key areas of expertise in factory planning and factory structure planning:

Factory structure planning
Planning of the factory structure

Layout planning

Value stream analysis & value stream design

Production and logistics alignment

Planning production logistics

Overall material flow concept

Development of a building usage concept

Transport infrastructure planning

Optimisation of the production control strategy and deduction of its influences on the material flow and factory structure
Factory planning
Development of a building usage concept

Layout planning

Transport infrastructure planning

Machine assembly planning

Design of target processes

Development of a floor-space usage concept

Planning of logistics function areas

Development of factory automation concepts

Derivation of requirements for implementation of the structure and building engineering (building specifications)
Tender support
Tendering for all trades, such as .

Automation technology

Conveyor technologies

IT-systems

Preparation of the tender documents

Review of the providers' offers

Recommendation according to specific criteria

Contract negotiations with providers

Support during implementation
Implementation planning and realisation
Project management across all project phases

Realization monitoring

Coordination of the individual trades

Ramp-up management

The core components of a location concept

A professionally developed site concept in factory planning consists of several interdependent analytical components. These components ensure that all process-related, structural, and financial aspects of the new factory are comprehensively covered. The process begins with a macro-logistical network analysis, which mathematically determines the ideal coordinates within the existing corporate structure. This is followed by micro-logistical demand planning, which specifies the concrete property and the process requirements in detail. The most important of these core aspects are described in detail below to illustrate their practical relevance in everyday industrial operations.

Network Analysis and Supply Chain Integration

Logistical connectivity to global markets forms the critical starting point for every location decision. As part of the network analysis, our experts determine the ideal geographic location by precisely aligning customer locations, supplier sources, and logistical interfaces. A suboptimal location leads to permanently increased transportation costs and unstable supply chains in day-to-day operations. Using tool-based analyses, we optimize the entire flow of goods and ensure a seamless supply of materials. In this way, we create a robust logistical foundation that guarantees maximum delivery capacity even in the face of volatile market demand.

Site Search and Feasibility Study (Brownfield vs. Greenfield)

The decision between a greenfield development or the revitalization of an existing site shapes the entire investment profile. Our structured site search evaluates potential properties or vacant lots based on hard criteria such as the quality of infrastructure, soil properties, and expansion potential. Greenfield planning offers maximum design flexibility in terms of process, but is often associated with longer approval procedures. In contrast, complex brownfield planning requires the intelligent integration of modern automation technology into historically developed building envelopes. We conduct detailed feasibility studies and scenario analyses for both approaches to reliably prevent cost overruns.

Technical Requirements Planning and Framework Conditions

A detailed analysis of local environmental conditions and legal requirements protects companies from costly misinvestments. Technical requirements planning assesses the current situation and aligns it with future growth and production targets. In doing so, we examine on-site energy availability as well as potential construction restrictions or environmental regulations. In addition, we focus on the regional labor market to proactively address the challenge of the skilled labor shortage. Only a location that is technologically and regulatory ready for a green, sustainable future ensures your long-term operational flexibility.

The challenges of finding the right location

A location is not just an address—it is a key factor for success. The challenges are manifold:

Global markets and supply chains: Where are your customers, suppliers, and logistical interfaces located?
Infrastructure & land availability: How well-connected is the location—today and in the future?
Costs & Regulations: What are the economic conditions? Are there any building restrictions?
Skilled labor shortage & Labor market: Can you find the right workers locally?
Energy availability and sustainability: Is the location ready for a green future?

A wrong location decision can jeopardize significant investments. A thorough analysis reduces risks and maximizes success.

Procedure for developing a site concept:

Network Analysis: Where is the ideal location within your corporate network?
Property Search: Whether greenfield or brownfield: We support you in finding the optimal property or real estate
Review of financing options: Various financing models are evaluated, such as sale & lease back
Analysis and Needs Planning: What is the current situation, what are the goals, and what is possible on the property?

An overview of our services for site selection:

Site analysis and selection, including network assessment
Evaluation of financing options such as sale and leaseback
Feasibility studies and development of scenarios for the optimization, expansion, or new construction of a factory
Assessment of overall land use
Strategic analysis of framework conditions, including connectivity, energy availability, and regulatory requirements
Brownfield and greenfield planning
General development planning, with our own architect if needed

Contact us now

ebp-consulting’s expertise and integrated services in site planning range from site selection and feasibility studies to the conceptual, layout, and detailed planning of factories and logistics centers, all the way through to implementation support and commissioning.

Contact us

We are there for you.
Your contact person

Irene Kocher

T +49 711 3917030

info@ebp-consulting.com

Questions and Answers about the location concept in the context of factory planning

What role do sale-and-lease-back models play in the location strategy?

The evaluation of innovative financing models is an integral part of our economic analysis. Through a sale-and-lease-back arrangement, capital tied up in operational or logistics real estate can be freed up in the short term. This liquidity is then channeled directly into the modernization of production technology or the company’s core operations. Our team transparently evaluates various financing scenarios to ensure the optimal capital structure for your project.

How is the shortage of skilled workers taken into account when selecting a location?

In modern engineering, the regional labor market is one of the most critical location factors of all. We conduct a preliminary analysis of the demographic structure and the availability of qualified skilled workers at the potential plant location. If there is an acute shortage, we proactively integrate automated systems directly into the initial factory concept. This makes your production less dependent on the local labor market and ensures long-term operation.

When is a detailed general development plan required?

Professional master planning becomes essential as soon as long-term land use is planned in connection with new construction or plant expansions. Our interdisciplinary team of factory planners and logistics experts coordinates all structural interfaces, working with your own architect if necessary. We plan the factory consistently from the inside out, so that the logistics processes determine the building envelope. This prevents costly planning errors and ensures maximum functional efficiency of the building.

How does the approach to site optimization for existing facilities differ?

For projects involving existing structures—also known as brownfield optimization—the primary focus is on managing geometric complexity while operations continue. Rather than planning on a blank slate, existing column grids, ceiling heights, and logistical bottlenecks must be analyzed with precision. Through precise as-is analyses and demand planning, we uncover hidden space potential and sustainably revitalize your factory structure. The overarching goal here is to achieve a significant increase in the efficiency of existing assets without costly new construction.

Location concept in factory planning