Plant layout is the spatial arrangement and configuration of departments, work stations, machinery and equipment used in
the conversion process. Layout of an apparel production plant directs the flow of materials and work-in-process from start
till its completion and integrates material handling and equipment. An efficient layout has the flexibility to be changed to
meet requirements of the product line, delivery schedules, and anticipated volume. Safety is a major consideration in plant
layout. Fire and safety codes, emergency and accessible exits, open traffic areas, etc. must all be a part of layout plans.
The following factors should be taken into consideration while planning a
layout:
Minimization of manufacturing costs
Efficient work flow
Minimization of work transfer
Provision of future expansion
Selection of Factory Site
Demographic, Infrastructural, Natural and Social factors should be
considered before selecting a location for a factory site.
Demographic and Infrastructural analysis is all about understanding
population age groups, per capita income, education level, occupational
structure and availability of skilled and non skilled manpower, technically
qualified and trained supervisors and managers, transportation cost, link
roads, nearness to railway station, airport or sea port, banking and financial
institutes..
Natural and social factors like climatic conditions, pollution, public hazards,
political problems, local laws and regulations, medical services, public
utilities, civic amenities and means of communication should also be
analysed before selection of the layout.
Layout of the Plant
Layout of the plant is decided based on process sequence, building structure,
shop floor transportation, type of layout (product or process based or a
combination of both) and arrangement of machines. The aim of every layout
is to maximize utilization of available space in order to speed up the material
flow. Highly specialized machines and small parts assembly may be
configured with a line arrangement for final assembly.
Factors to be considered for designing an effective layout include number of
workers both male and female, number of machines (size, weight by
models), entrance, exit and passages (size, width, position, number of each
of them) for production as well as administrative wing, change room, lunch
room, lavatories, medical emergency room and provision for those governed
